Have you ever suffered from depression? How did you get out of it?

1. 72

   writerjroseposted 8 years ago

   Have you ever suffered from depression? How did you get out of it?
   
   

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2. 69

   Michaela Osieckiposted 8 years ago

   I've been battling clinical depression for over a decade. Most people don't just "get out of it" without a lot of help, be it therapy, medication, mindfulness, a strong support network, etc.

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3. 83

   Austinstarposted 8 years ago

   In my 20s and 30s I suffered greatly from severe depression. I felt like I was at the bottom of a deep, dark well surrounded by darkness. I was suicidal and at times, so withdrawn that I could not communicate with anyone.
   After several tries (years) of various anti-depressants and bio-feedback therapy. I learned to "act happy and be happy" through cognitive behavioral therapy.
   I am now in my 60s and no longer have deep depression, but I do still have mild depression. I don't take anti-depressants anymore, and I don't feel the need to.
   The only advice I can give is - don't give up! There is a medicine or a therapy out there that will work for you as an individual.
   It takes a long time and a lot of determination to overcome depression, but it can be done. Just don't give up.

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4. 78

   Say Yes To Lifeposted 8 years ago

   I have, many times.  It happens either because of situations, like struggling financially and / or being in a hostile environment, or because of flashbacks.  With the former, I just have to do my best to get out of that situation.  Sometimes, I'm able to take mini vacations, during which I force myself to not think about it.  The latter is easier to deal with; I was taught to focus on the here and now, and remember the flashback is only a memory; I am no longer in that situation.  Distracting myself with reading or watching a movie helps, as does heavy duty exercises at the gym.  Also, long pleasant conversations with friends helps.
   I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT ADVOCATE MEDS!!!  I tried those for a few years; all they did was make me fat.  A friend of mine in her mid-60s has ruined her health because of meds; she is falling apart, mini strokes and all.

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5. 62

   LoisRyan13903posted 8 years ago

   I get the blues once in a while.  Some times it is stress other times it is I am stuck in a routine and am bored with it.  Usually for me a good sleep helps me, when I wake up it is like I am a new person.  Changing my routine helps to.  I also take St. John's Wort when I am feeling blue and this works wonders.

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6. 64

   CrescentSkiesposted 8 years ago

   Yes I have, and still do. I didn't even know I had it until I went through a big hustle in my late teens with a stomach problem (which turned out to be depression-based).
   
   As long as it's not flaring up I can manage my depression without any medications at all simply by talking to myself. No, I don't hear any answers.
   
   If it gets too much for me to handle then I start taking St. John's Wort supplements at about double the recommended dose. I do not recommend you do this unless you know what you're doing as the herb can cause mania.
   
   If the herb fails then I talk to a therapist.

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