Just wondering how current DF members handle their depression.

In addition to the poll, feel free to add whatever comments you'd like share.

Best,
HopefulOne

((((((((HopefulOne))))))))

Thanks for starting this poll. I will be really interested to see what others share. I voted for a combination of meds and therapy. I'm not currently in therapy but I have had a lot of different types of therapy over the years and I expect I will have more. I do still take anti-depressants and I don't foresee this changing any time soon. I have dysthymia which is a long-term low-moderate grade depression, and I also have bad anxiety and a few other things. Meds and therapy have definitely helped me a lot, but I still have days (too many of them!) where I feel like my depression and other issues are not nearly as well managed as I would like them to be. My "recovery" is definitely an ongoing work in progress!!

Wishing you all the very best (((((((HopefulOne))))))))

Take care.

Joanna

I opted for meds only.

I've tried therapy several times, but have never felt that I've ever achieved anything through it.

dtm

I have been taking a cocktail of meds for depression and anxiety for several years in addition to being in therapy, group therapy, and intense therapy. I read every book I can on depression and anxiety including doing workbooks (great ones from Harbinger Press). I've also done biofeedback. I practice meditation, yoga and complete body relaxation. In good weather I walk and spend time outdoors. I try to eat nutritionally and take suppliments, as well as established sleep times.
A footnote: I've seen brain scans that show that medications effect one part of the brain and therapy a completely different part.

I take medication and go to therapy. I also have made lifestyle changes that help a lot.

i use a tool kit in my past i have been in threapy and idue to my dual diagnpoisis i have a tool kit in my tool kit i reach out when i need help and i offer to help others and i do graphics i have a support team of friends i can call and talk to iuse to go in and out pof the hospital sevral times in one year i do games tooo

combo of meds and therapy.
meds: prozac 20mg & seroquel 50mg
therapy: intensive CBT every week, including home assignments, and continuous work between therapy sessions. group therapy 2x month. I have also made a lot of lifestyle changes, changed a job, get together with old friends etc. I exercise and I try to eat healthy. I also take omega-3 fat acids.

hugs,
soleil

Meds and therapy

i take 40mg's/prozac/day
100mg's/seroquel/day

psychiatrist every two months
psychotherapist every month
psychologist every fortnight
GP, CPN, home crisis team, social services as and when needed

Psychology does not suit all psychiatric illnesses, it depends on the illness, but for depression, it is nigh on impossible to get better without both meds and therapy....they work hand in hand.

I think managing best for me is a bit of everything, meds & therapy, being here, getting outside support and doing my own thing. But I know for sure that in all of that I just need to keep busy all the time or the thoughts creep up on me and take over.

Isabeau

A combination of meds and healthy lifestyle changes (ie healthy eating, exercise, avoiding caffiene, regular sleep pattern etc). They usually work in combination with each other, but neither one works on its own.

I asked for therapy but im still stuck on the waiting list.

No regular meds, no therapy. I just have the mentality of 'this too shall pass' though occasionally it doesnt and I find myself taking a 3 year old xanax from a long ago prescription, when I am down-trodden for a few days in a row.

The best therapies for me are reading and sleep. A good book helps me escape, and sleep makes me forget for a while. Admittedly though, I dont get near enough sleep thanks to an over zealous job

I just do meds now, but I used to do meds and therapy. I sort of use my own personal therapy now whenever possible...regular exercise and a healthy diet. Good for the body, good for the mind.

I take meds and go to therapy (reluctantly) I don't like therapy I come home and cry on the couch for 4 hours after the session.

Sorry to hear therapy is not working for you. Do you like your therapist? My first therapist would have me talk about all the problems in my life, then send me home without helping me at all. I gave up on therapy for a while, then started going to a new therapist. She helps me tackle my problems, and helps me see life from a new point of view. She also has helped me change some of my self-defeating thought patterns (which was no cake walk for either of us since I am a stubborn person who already knows everything...). Some people just click better with certain therapists, and just as in any other job field some therapists are just not as good as others. I hope you do not get discouraged about therapy like I did, it can be helpful with the right person .

I do therapy, meds (which I still hate and usually forget) plus write poetry........I also write short "tails" about my kat; my little love interest.

MEZ

I voted meds only, because I'm currently not in therapy. I haven't been able to find someone who could "challenge"? me enough to make it worth the time/$.