Depressed? Or know someone who is? (mission, agnostic, suicide)

[WARTORIOUS]

In the UK and USA one of the biggest problems facing the general population is depression. You would think this would affect poor country’s, like Russia and Africa, middle east. However Russia has some of the lowest levels in the world. If your extremely depressed seek help, otherwise there are some tips you can follow to get yourself back on track. I would have to say the best was of getting out of depression is good hard exercise. Doing exercise stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain that gives you a natural high. And helps increase serotonin levels in the brain. Yes you can become addicted to exercise, do it for 2 weeks every day and you will you will not only be fitter and happier but it will be much easer to keep going, you will miss it if you stop.

10 ways to be and stay happy

1. Make a list of things that make you happy. Focusing on what makes us happy has a way of, well... making us happy!
2. Keep things in perspective. Think back to other times that you felt this down - did they always warrant such a strong reaction? This is not to beat yourself up about the past, but to realize that you have and can again survive situations that you thought were too much too handle.
3. Imagine yourself smiling. Smiling sends an internal message that all is well. Go ahead -- What have you got to lose, a bad mood?
4. Be here now! Take small steps. If, for example, your mood may brighten just by stepping outside routine, and reaching for a small spontaneous moment. Here's a hint: Start small. Watch puppies, kittens and small children. Watch...and learn.
5. Release anger, envy & resentment! This are self-destructive. We hold them, intending to throw them at someone, but they never really leave us.
6. Forgive! Forgiveness is something we do as much for our own healing as for that of the other. It is NOT acceptance of abuse or permission for an action, but a release of an act's affect on you.
7. Let go and laugh. When you feel negativity building, seek out the things that make you laugh - a funny movie, a joke, a favorite website, a goofy friend -or plan a "mood music get together" with friends: Score each other one point for thinking up true 'Feel-Good' songs. (e.g. "I Feel Good"--James Brown).
8. Write Thank You notes! Keep a journal of all the people and things you are thankful for. This is especially helpful on rough days. Why not take five minutes and contribute to someone else's happiness? You will like yourself better for doing it which is, by the way, one of the true secrets to happiness!
9. Avoid depression triggers. If there are unhealthy people or places in your life, consider decreasing their role. You'll find that the better you feel about yourself, the more naturally this will occur: If you treat yourself well, you won't settle for anyone that doesn't.
10. Shake that body! Exercise is a great way to avoid or alleviate depressive symptoms. The body and mind are strongly connected, and neglecting either will have negative consequences. You may want to join an aerobics class where you can meet new people or take up yoga or meditation.

Some of the more common symptoms of depression are:

• Changes in sleep habits such as insomnia, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much.
• Changes in eating habits such as loss of appetite or weight gain.
• Decreased energy, feeling of fatigue.
• Restlessness and irritability.
• Difficulty in concentration, remembering, and making decisions.
• Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, guilt or worthlessness.
• Persistent sad, anxious, or empty feelings.
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities, such as involvement with loved ones or hobbies.
• Thoughts of death or suicide.
(to fulfill the diagnostic criteria for major depressive episode (in other words to receive an official diagnosis of depression), five (or more) of these symptoms have to be present during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning. At least one of the symptoms must be either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure (DSM-IV, 1996).)

Thanks to http://psychologytoday.com for there input.



I would also like to point out that when you are depressed you're not thinking strait, although it seems you are. But trust me you won't be.

Always remember people are more forgiving and understanding than you think, and talking to people openly is extremely important always. All you need to do is exercise everyday for 2 weeks, laugh, have someone to talk to, eat healthy food, don’t spend too much time on your own and you should be fine.

And if you are really depressed then please, talk to people, a GP or a doctor. :-)

[Tigress]

Originally Posted by WARTORIOUS

I would also like to point out that when you are depressed you're not thinking strait, although it seems you are. But trust me you won't be.

Depression does not in all situations affect one's levelheadedness.

[michel]

Originally Posted by Tigress

Depression does not in all situations affect one's levelheadedness.

Do you mind if I ask if you suffer from depression ? If so, how do you cope ? (please PM me if you would prefer to keep your thoughts off the public forum.)

[Tigress]

Originally Posted by michel

Do you mind if I ask if you suffer from depression ?

No, I don't mind.--Yes, I have clinical depression.

If so, how do you cope ?

One moment at a time.

[Mike182]

i have never been depressed, however, i think it safe to assume that if i were, reading such a thread as this would do nothing but insult and enrage me on a personal level.... if it were that easy to get out of, don't ya' think i would've done it?

[Tigress]

True, Mike182.

[WARTORIOUS]

I’m sorry, didn’t mean to patronise, depression is one of the biggest problems facing the UK and US and is a serious problem


I just hoped by trying to spread a little information it mite help someone



i may be deprested, infact im sure I am worce than I have ever been in my life
http://www.religiousforums.com/forum...127#post500127)




Clinical depression is absolutely awful! I’m sorry to hear that

[MaddLlama]

What makes you think getting rid of depression is as easy as working out and eating your food groups? Depression is a medical condition, and when people talk about it they really need to differentiate between having a chemical imbalance, and being sad because something happened. Not trying to insult those who are situationally depressed, but those things you mentioned in the OP don't cure an imbalance. Finding things that make you happy, and taking care of your body do help the symptoms of depression, but it doesn't cure it.

And, I find myself quite level-headed, and thinking clearly, and I think a lot of people here would agree. My thought process is somewhat abnormal, but not foggy.

[BrandonE]

While it's not for everyone, cognitive-behavioral therapy is statistically one of the most effective treatments available. It helped me. The Feeling Better Handbook by David Burns can be helpful. A therapist with this approach is even better, and this method is not the multi-year type that is popularized in movies. I think I went for a total of about 15-20 visits or so (one every week or two), and I was completely better by the end.

[michel]

Originally Posted by Tigress

No, I don't mind.--Yes, I have clinical depression.



One moment at a time.

One moment at a time.

Snap. But don't you find yourself focussing so hard on the dread of looming 'events' such as sociable occasions (Christmans, birthdays) is one of the hardest things to cope with ?

I have to Go to my Son's graduation at the end of this month; of course, I am so proud of him..........but, I have the "30th" like a weight around my neck.