depression

alz480alz480
in General

How does one deal with depression. For me its just trying to keep my mind occupied. I try to do things like take walks or paint. Sometimes though it can be a struggle, even in 2024 it can still be a stigma to come out and say I am suffering from depression.

Comments

  • [Deleted User]MaverickLegend (deleted user)

    I think everyone deals with depression in their own way what might work for me might not work for someone else but just generally speaking finding things that you enjoy doing, and some sort of support group or an outlet to vent and share your feelings is helpful

  • JohnR1972JohnR1972

    Depression is a complex subject. There is not a single “root cause” of depression but there are several “contributing factors”. Some of those factors may require help from mental health professionals. Other factors can be altered by personal choices / behaviors including changing your diet. Below is a link to an article in a highly respected, peer reviewed journal discussing the connection between diet and depression.

    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-021-01590-6

  • TheDave90TheDave90

    I'm going through on and off depression right now too. What's worse is when you try to speak out and people for some reason don't take it seriously.

    Long walks and exercise seem to help me personally, for a while anyway. Being a gamer, that de-stresses me a lot too.

  • CuddleHugs01234CuddleHugs01234

    When I’ve had depression, it was either due to life events, or when I eat sugar or white flour, because I have sugar sensitivity. If I get back on track eating well, it’ll pass, along with anxiousness. But with the life events, I’ve just had to go through them, and come to terms with them, and after time, it got better. I agree with @JohnR1972 , sometimes it takes professional help. Nothing to be ashamed of. Also with clinical depression, medications may help. And of course if anyone is thinking of suicidal, call the suicide prevention hotline. Hugs to you @alz480.

  • BearBear

    I have found a good therapist helps. Getting my CPAP replaced and getting proper sleep has been a big help. Support in general.

  • [Deleted User]WriterGF (deleted user)

    Keeping my mind occupied. Reading, puzzles, anything to keep me mentally engaged. Otherwise, I start dwelling on things.

  • SoosonSooson

    Few tiimes I was asked by doctors if i suffer from depression and my answer is "yes, every Monday morning" . They all agree there is no cure for this one.

  • JohnR1972JohnR1972

    FWIW - I attended a conference recently where one of the sessions was led by a panel of medical educators. Three of the key points I wrote down from that presentation were…
    1) The only places in the world where mental health is separate from physical health is in textbooks and licensing boards.
    2) Based on a major meta analysis of peer reviewed medical studies on the determinants of healthcare outcomes, our current understanding is that healthcare outcomes are influenced more by “social determinants” than anything else. Specifically healthcare outcomes are driven by…
    40% - Social determinants (mainly personal relationships)
    29% - Personal behavior (drinking, smoking, diet, exercise, meditation, sleep, etc.)
    17% - Professional medical intervention (prescriptions, surgeries, etc.)
    8% - Physical environment
    6% - Other

    3) A recent study found the best predictor of how long it takes before an open heart surgery patient is released to go home was the number of visitors the patient had during their recovery. The more visitors (indicating a more socially connected patient with caring friends and family) on average went home much sooner than patients with few to no visitors.

  • [Deleted User]1_teddybear (deleted user)

    I have found that if I am depressed, I have to leave the site because the realities of being a guy on here makes my depression much worse.

  • alz480alz480

    I never said it was easy sometimes every day is a struggle

  • TheGypsyCuddlerTheGypsyCuddler

    Mental health can definitely be a struggle. Reach out to someone if you need help. I can understand it’s not always easy.

  • [Deleted User]1_teddybear (deleted user)

    @Jasmineluvshugs I would ask you to refrain from twisting the knife. Karma has more than one meaning here.

  • FWCuddlesFWCuddles

    @1_teddybear Totally agree about keeping away in my darker times. Sometimes this place is not a good place to be. I left for over a year after a regular poster started victim blaming me and the OP in a similar post to this. Depression is often seen as the sufferers fault as they "choose to be depressed."

    @alz480
    What works for me is to withdraw from areas of potential conflict (as constantly defending myself is exhausting) and be with those that truly care. Distraction can help in the short term but you run the risk of falling into the trap of self criticism because you could be doing constructive things instead of wasting time doing x (although that could just be me lol). Exercise and walks in nature can help if they are options to you.

    As for professional help? Very mixed bag. You may find a good one, you may not and set backs (especially with those in positions of authority) will hit harder when depressed.

    It's a long fight for sure but small things do make a difference even if it doesn't seem that way at the time. I wish you all the best in finding your way!

  • cuddlefaerycuddlefaery

    There's a difference between temporarily feeling depressed and clinical depression, and that difference is why I always recommend speaking with a mental health professional in some capacity. Clinical depression physically changes the way your brain functions, and while much about it is still not understood, there is a lot of tools available to try to make coping easier.

    I made the mistake of just trying to cope on my own for over 15 years of worsening depression, and while I learned a lot of the skills and did my best to manage on my own because "my life wasn't that bad" and "I should just be able to get over this"....it only got worse, not better. Because I neglected my mental health for so long, I now have permanent changes to how my brain responds to things and the learning curve is much steeper.

    Mental health care is medical care - the brain is part of your body, and every thought and emotion has an organic origin and can impact physical structures in your body since the brain and nervous system control every function. If medication is necessary, it's no different than some people needing glasses or insulin - if your body doesn't produce enough of a particular chemical or has problems processing it, store bought is fine.

    Lifestyle choices can have a huge impact, yes, but if there's biological conditions in place then it can mean making those changes is impossible until the barriers are lessened. It's not easy nor simple, but it's as necessary as brushing your teeth and going to see the dentist - regular self care and checkups.

    I've found that remaining connected to the world and people who care is the #1 way I can speed up recovery from a flare. It's incredibly difficult, as my depression causes me to disassociate and hermit away from everyone. But even baby steps to connect to others, like interacting online or sending a text, can make an improvement as at least I'm doing something. It's also been really important for me that the people in my life understand depression and neurodiversity - cutting out or limiting time spent with those who just don't get it or who lack empathy has made major improvements in my overall mental health.

  • CharlieBearCharlieBear Mod
    edited April 2024

    Medication for me, yippeeeeee! 🥴

    Also video games and LEGO's. I think I am gonna go build a LEGO set now and then hop on LEGO Fortnite 😂

    Edit: Done 🤓

    Though instead of Lego Fortnite, I hopped on Hello Kitty Island Adventure 😅

  • [Deleted User]Ripley54566 (deleted user)

    @cuddlefaery

    Definitely second this approach. For me treating it as a medical issue after the initial diagnosis was what helped. Medication to help with the initial issues and then therapy to help reframe my perspective on both my past and the future. I am now leading a better life thanks to finding professionals that I could trust.

  • [Deleted User]emotionalsponge (deleted user)

    Try to narrow down what might be causing your depression. It might be a medical issue, something like vitamin deficiency could contribute to it. I remember spending a lot of time indoors last year and it did a number on me.
    Sometimes it may be something like being a social person but not spending time with people and feeling an emptiness because of that.

    For me personally, I was neglecting an important part of my life and trying to fill that area with other things that were only a temporary fix (video games, youtube). Sometimes depression comes from trying to patch a hole and patching it with the wrong materials.

    It could be a diet thing, too.

    Mortals are weird

  • JohnfromViennaJohnfromVienna

    Read "Feeling Good" about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It's shown to be just as effective as antidepressants. Take a mushroom trip. https://www.amazon.com/Feeling-Good-New-Mood-Therapy/dp/0380731762/ref=asc_df_0380731762/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=344024537669&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15905584629078399419&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030801&hvtargid=pla-450257690321&psc=1&mcid=25419d9767f039c1bbc47f1cf5c1b761&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=69543896392&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=344024537669&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15905584629078399419&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030801&hvtargid=pla-450257690321&gclid=CjwKCAjw_e2wBhAEEiwAyFFFo_CjMHWpyQAVTaSjWl6RbwZ5ndBcnPiNt7fVn0av2-RMLS5ETjLQKxoCn8MQAvD_BwE

  • panda619panda619

    Gym period.

  • TrialKingTrialKing

    Definitely interaction with others healthy eating gym and hobbies taking a combined effort Definitely no one way to go about it wishing you the best in your journey

  • MorpheusMorpheus

    A few years ago, I started walking. My walks started at 20-30 minutes but turned into 2 - 3 hours and more. It became a challenge to see how far I could walk and then of course I would have to walk back. I started to notice I was feeling depressed. I think by going on these long walks by myself, I was socially isolating myself. I stopped thinking walks and started seeing an therapist. I saw my therapist for a year. She didn’t diagnose me with any known psychological issue, she said I just needed some help working through things. After a year, I felt that therapy had ran its course and I chose to stop on my own. I learned about and continue to learn.

  • Shami_86Shami_86

    I suffered thru 2 really bad episodes of depression in my life.
    The first when I was around 19. My parents were going thru a divorce, constantly fighting each other. I had no help on what to do post high school. Everyone was moving away and I was stuck in a major rut. I felt hopeless after my mom thru me out of her house. I always felt like she hated me because I looked the most like dad out of my 3 siblings. I focused on work a lot, by 22 I actually bought a pretty nice house. I started dating the lady I would eventually marry and that really helped me out.

    Then 34 came around. I was a manager at a retails store, customers were terrible during covid. I was stressed out and so was my wife. We seperated and my little girl moved with her 2 hours away. I lost my position at my company and put our home up for sale all within a few months. I had never been as suicidal as I was at that moment. I struggled everyday, crying usually an hour more. I found a great therapist who I gave seen weekly for almost 3 years now. I got medication from a doctor, and started some support groups in the format of AA. I learned to appreciate the little things in life and take joy in having conversations with people when possible. I used to have a great deal of social anxiety but I have slowly climbed out of that as well.

    It's a slow step by step process. Sometimes just reflecting on your lows in life and where you are now is a great boost of confidence.

  • alz480alz480

    I just wanted to thank everyone who responded to this post. I just felt the need to post it because there have been times when I don't feel my own self worth.

  • hey_nikkyhey_nikky

    I've been dealing with clinical depression since I was 14. I just started back up with therapy. Besides that I regularly see my psychiatrist for med checks. Other than those two things I've found the best thing to help with my depression is keeping myself busy and getting out of the house as much as possible.

  • KamikaziNinja86KamikaziNinja86
    edited April 2024

    I finally was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety 3 years ago, but I knew I had it way before but didn't want an "official" diagnosis. But after my divorce and loss of friends I needed help, got on meds and have also been in therapy.

    Being able to talk to someone about whatever you need to helps you lot and they are able to give ideas/tools for managing your depression.

  • SunsetSnugglesSunsetSnuggles

    @alz480 posted: "How does one deal with depression."

    I've had situational and clinical depression for many years, and in my experience, I'd say...

    🗣💊 Counseling, psychology, medication.

    📑📚🧘🏻‍♀️ Research, books, meditation, coping mechanisms.

    🍏💧💤 Eating healthy, keeping hydrated, getting enough consistent sleep.

    🙅🏻‍♀️ Boundaries with work, boundaries with people, boundaries with yourself.

    As far as the medical professional side of things go, if things don't work the first time, get a new counselor, ask your doctor or psychiatrist for different meds...don't be afraid to look for, or ask for, a better fit. And keep looking, no matter how many switches it may take. 🔄

    "For me its just trying to keep my mind occupied. I try to do things like take walks or paint."

    Normally I'm a bit dubious about trying to deal with depression through distraction; however, the examples you gave were very healthy ones, so I say keep doing what you're doing!

    "even in 2024 it can still be a stigma to come out and say I am suffering from depression."

    It can be. In some circles, people in my life have no idea that I have depression. In other circles, I'm very open about it. What really makes me happy is the rare occasion when others casually mention things like being on antidepressants, or seeing a counselor...it's rare to hear these things mentioned in regular conversation, and it's great that some people are comfortable doing so. That's the sort of acceptance and behavior that will squash stigmas.

    @FWCuddles posted: "Depression is often seen as the sufferers fault as they "choose to be depressed.""

    Oh man, I just had a really long conversation on this subject with my boyfriend, today, except regarding anxiety rather than depression. It's mind-blowing how peoples' solutions often hinge on, or imply, that we are choosing to feel the way we do.

    It's like coming upon a car crash, taking one look at the victim whose broken femur is sticking out through their skin, and saying, "Just stop focusing on the pain. Why don't you go for a walk? Look at the beautiful world around you. Change your attitude!" No one would say this to someone with a physical condition, but people say it to those with mental conditions, constantly.

    @cuddlefaery posted: "Mental health care is medical care "

    💯

    @Shami_86 Thank you so much for sharing your story! I'm so sorry that you went through all of that, and I'm so proud of you for making it through and continuing on! 🫂 Feel free to PM me anytime if you want to talk.

    ~~~

    Lastly, I've been too depressed and overwhelmed to post in awhile (same reason my PM's are sitting unanswered...I'm not ghosting anyone on purpose, I promise), but here is my little corner of encouragement, regarding mental health, if anyone cares to peek...

    https://www.cuddlecomfort.com/forum/discussion/19032/sunsetsnuggles-corner-️-encouragement

    ~ Sunset Snuggles

    🦄 Enthusiast 🏞 Travel Fiend 🐘 Animal Lover

  • TxTomTxTom

    I don't know anything about depression, diagnosing it, or treating it.

    Other vets who have witnessed friends instantly transformed into clouds of pink mist along some barren, dusty road in Afghanistan have told me that they really want to seek treatment, but are worried about red flags appearing on their medical record that may adversely affect other aspects of their life.

    I never know what to tell them.

  • SunsetSnugglesSunsetSnuggles

    @TxTom

    That is so f^cking heartbreaking. I have no experience with what your friends endured, but I can say this regarding their fears...secure life insurance before having serious psychiatric care show up all over their medical history. It can absolutely be difficult to obtain, once the underwriters view someone as a "risk" - even with a suicide clause.

    ~ Sunset Snuggles

    🦄 Enthusiast 🏞 Travel Fiend 🐘 Animal Lover

  • SwoonkleSwoonkle
    edited April 2024

    There used to be a website called CureTogether where you could describe your conditions and what treatments you've tried. I wish it still existed. They published this graph:

    I've tried therapy and books but haven't gotten much out of either.

    I exercise 1-3 times a week, and it helps temporarily, but the depression usually comes back as soon as I get in my car to go home.

    I have a cat that I love and it helps to be with her, but even her cuteness and cuddliness is not a cure.

  • pty1999pty1999

    @alz480 it sounds like you are dealing with a bit of anxiety as well. If you have situational depression getting out of the house and talking with friends and family helps a lot. If you have clinical depression meaning it has lasted over a few months and is consistent even when life is going well, you need to see a psychiatrist for treatment and possibly medication. I will be sending you good energy.

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