[Colin44]

What are the best ways to deal with depression? Are there any new ways to beat it?

[Oliver88]

You know, I've been depressed for years. I was tormented by constant tantrums, constant apathy. My friends turned away from me, the guy left me, I wanted to jump out of the window on the 25th floor more and more every day. I hoped every night before going to bed that I wouldn't Wake up in the morning. It was terrible. When I tried to open my veins again, my sister stopped me and I got into a fight with her. The next day, she took me to a therapist. The sessions lasted for about a few weeks, he said that I needed to relax my nervous system, and prescribed me kratom capsules. They really made me feel better. I felt indifferent to everything, I no longer wanted to cry or kill myself. After a while, I got even better. Now I'm a full-fledged person again.

[blackrosex0x0]

What are the best ways to deal with depression? Are there any new ways to beat it?

Beating depression looks different for every individual but there are certain steps you can take to help overcome it. I was diagnosed with severe depression years ago, a lot of that had to do with the ridiculous amount of drugs and alcohol I was pumping into my system on a daily basis and the lifestyle that comes with it.

The things that helped me the most were therapy, exercise, changing my diet, and reconnecting to things I'm passionate about.

Therapy was the first step I took years ago. I was against it for a long time but being able to talk to someone in confidence that isn't a friend or family is huge. I was able to get so much off of my chest and took the advice my therapist gave me. Overall, it had a lot to do with getting things out that I had bottled up for years.

Exercise and diet go hand in hand. This is something I'm still trying to do better every day as it's very hard to get into the groove if you're not already active. It is so worth it though. There are many studies that prove that being active whether through aerobics, weight lifting, sports, etc... have incredible benefits on the body and mind. When your body feels good, your mind feels good too. I started off with light walks around my neighborhood and local high school track. It was all I could do but it was better than nothing. I kept the walks up for months. I started with setting a goal of walking one mile a day and getting the fresh air that comes with it. I then slowly worked my way up to two miles, three miles, and more. From there I began jumping rope and getting serious about my cardiovascular health (I had really high blood pressure, and other issues due to a sedentary lifestyle + alcohol). I then finally had the courage to step into a gym and begin lifting weights. I fell in love with it, and now I mix it up between weights, jump roping, and trail runs on the weekend.
Diet is different for everyone but my biggest piece of advice is to start focusing on whole foods. By this I mean, stop eating so much processed food, the stuff that comes pre packaged in boxes, fast food, stuff like that. We all have busy lives and it's tough to find time to cook your own meals, which is why meal prepping is so important. Take some time one or two days out of your week and prep your meals. I cook batches of chicken, veggies, cut up fruit and portion my meals so when I'm in the nitty gritty of my week between school and working a full time job, my food is already ready. I just microwave it up and boom, good to go.

Lastly, reconnecting to something your passionate about. What are your hobbies? I've always been obsessed with playing guitar and other instruments but neglected it for a very long time due to depression. I just couldn't get myself to even play my guitar for more than a few minutes at a time before putting it down. I had to dig deep and think about things I enjoyed in life. Think back to your childhood, what did you enjoy more than anything else? For me it was computers and guitar. I had been working in an industry I loathed for a decade and decided to change that. I knew I loved working with computers so I decided to go to college and pursue a degree, which is what I'm still doing right now. This has opened up new paths and goals in my life which has lessened the depression. Having goals and hobbies can be very beneficial. On the side when I have the time (which isn't much) I focus on my hobbies like playing guitar which includes actively learning new songs that challenge myself as a musician. I am also in the early stages of writing and producing an EP which has been a goal of mine since I was a teenager.

These are all examples of what has worked for me, but again, it's going to be different for everyone. I wish you and everyone the best who is struggling with depression. I know how damn hard it is to climb out of that abyss. Force yourself to do small things like taking a walk, eating a bit healthier by throwing in some veggies into your meals and things of that nature. You can do this, never ever give up!

[Moogame]

Honestly, one of the more effective ways of dealing and overcoming depression is simply talking to someone about it. In the past, I constantly made the mistake of bottling up all of my problems since I didn't want to bother anyone else with them. Talking is a great way of relieving the stress, I didn't want for someone to resolve my problems for me, but just listen to what I had to say.

[mothered]

Honestly, one of the more effective ways of dealing and overcoming depression is simply talking to someone about it. In the past, I constantly made the mistake of bottling up all of my problems since I didn't want to bother anyone else with them. Talking is a great way of relieving the stress, I didn't want for someone to resolve my problems for me, but just listen to what I had to say.

Very well said.

In my view, just having someone around to listen and respect your emotions, can make the world of difference.

[Martin George]

I have been experiencing periodic depression for many years, and my family members are very good at helping me cope with it. I'm already ashamed that this is happening and I understand that they are tired of it.
I tried many different medications on a doctor's prescription and they all helped, but not for long. I even tried marijuana, but I didn't like its overall effect very much. Of the latter, the best thing that helped me was red kratom, which my friend started taking to relieve back pain. I liked it the most because it didn't have the intoxicating effect of marijuana.

[mothered]

I have been experiencing periodic depression for many years, and my family members are very good at helping me cope with it. I'm already ashamed that this is happening and I understand that they are tired of it.

I'm already ashamed that this is happening

Don't be too hard on yourself.

It's no different to having any other Illness, and It's certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

[green314]

[skybird]

Life is difficult and painful at times.
Mental health issues can be just as painful as physical pain.

If it affects ones life too much, one should find help asap...
depending on ones philosophy ofcourse.

I am unsure why I am like I am, but some part in me loves me still despite all of that which has happened, not happened and will/won't happen.

[mothered]

Mental health issues can be just as painful as physical pain.

If it affects ones life too much, one should find help asap...

Well said.

When left untreated, depression can have a very serious Impact on one's mental health, to the point of taking over everything they (try to) do In life.