Thread: dealing with lifetime depression

It's unfortunately true that many people will have to go through years of trial and error with anti-depressant meds. Everyone reacts differently and it's hard to know what will work well. There is hope that it will get better. They are always working to improve these types of meds so don't give up.

It's important that you don't solely rely on meds to help. I believe that many people suffering from depression need to improve and/or learn better ways to manage life and depression. A lot of people do not realize that some times they have subconsciously developed habitual reactions to life situations. Meaning, some people (not necessarilly you) automatically over react to situations or simply do not know how to appropriately deal with depression. I do not know your particular situation and you sound like you know to look at life in a positive manner, but maybe there are some areas you could still improve in? Most people can do a little better in at least an area or two. Taking newer and positive philosophies on life can help. Some times people need to change things in their life to see improvement.

I have had my share of depression which pulled me down so low I felt it was the end of the world, but I have learned (over time) that you have to just let things go. I know it's hard for people with depression. You just can't seem to shake that lowly feeling, but if you put your mind to it and work hard, I believe it can be overcome. I think it helps for people to realize that life is hard, times are tough, things will go wrong, but it's never the end of the world. Life will go on and times will be better. I know, the problem is dealing with the here and now. To deal with the hard times and get out of the downward spirals, you need to try real hard to redirect your attention from the negative to something positive. When you feel sad, allow yourself to feel bad about it momentarilly, tell yourself that's life, and then move on to something else. Try to find something new and exciting to keep your interest. Something you can turn to that will brighten your spirits when you are down. People who are depressed tend to sulk and avoid making an effort to go out and do things. If you find yourself doing that, make yourself go do something else. Even if you don't feel "up to it" or "in the mood", just do it. If you keep making yourself do things to take your mind off of being depressed, you may slowly recondition your mental responses into something more positive.

I hope this doesn't sound like a bunch of psycho babble, but I deal with pretty bad social anxiety and have been through tough times in my life, not to mention helping friends with their depression. It does help to talk and get everyone's opinions. By no means am I an expert, but am here to talk and listen.