I thought it might be helpful to learn what others have found helpful in recovering from depression. Please share your recovery tips here!

KA

For me, it's a combination of talk therapies, meds and exercise and diet. But I think talk therapies have been the most helpful to me over time.

KA

It's been mostly meds for me. Talk therapy has also played an important part in the healing process for me.
Sheepwoman

Without support groups, I would have a devil of the time. My friends and family do there best but I find understanding in groups. This one has been a blessing since they're not enough where I live.

The only thing that helps me is talking to my great grandma.

I voted for all. I'd say it probably starts with meds.............(anybody ever had one of those moments/hours/days where they thought they'd implode without that Benzo or Tranq??)............but then I also push for the things *I* can do to aid in my recovery.

In particular I called it the "pie chart"!! And I asked myself daily/weekly if I was doing EVERYTHING I thought I *could* do in that "pie chart" of......."things I can do to make myself better!".

Pray
Eat healthy
Drink lots of water
Read lots
Exercise (at LEAST 20 minute walks 3 times per week)
Come here & post on the forum
etc.



Anyway.........if I find something else that helps I wedge that into my "pie chart" as well. I want no 'one' of the 360 degrees of possible effort to be wasted!!!! If there's something I can do to help myself, I want to include it!!

I work with a bunch of jokers, and trying to participate in their lighthearted banter always helps me. Sometimes I just can't seem to get on their level, but when I do, and spend a day laughing, even at ridiculous, infantile stuff, I come out feeling really good.

Unless I am really far gone (and medication change is the only thing left) it helps me to go to work. It might take me a great effort to get up and face the day, but once I am there, after about 2 hours of keeping to myself, I begin to wake up, as it were, and get working and get involved in what is being said around me. Pretty soon my "work persona" takes over and I get loud and obnoxious and funny, just like everyone is used to seeing me do. You can't have a thin skin in any of the places I have had to work in. They will eat you alive. You have to have an attitude, best described as " I don't give a s**t " and people, even if they don't like you, will leave you to your own devices. So I have to say, going to work, and eventually putting on my "tough girl" attitude, will push the depression away for a while. Plus it always helps to have a negative attitude about the job, the amount of work they expect you to do, the small pay and how hot it is, and so forth

Meds have made the bigest difference, along with therapy. I usually have to wait for the meds to kick in so I can remember what was said at the therapists, though. Behind these are family and friends. I have a very loving family that are great about my 'days' and understand that the bad mood has nothing to do with them. They have come to realize that my life isn't easy as I just keep going on like I don't have all these symptoms,. and some days, I just get so tired of it! I also have a good friend who calls me just about everyday and we laugh about things and make plans to do this and that. My SIL has depression and we talk or see each other a couple times a week. When you have people supporting you it helps, lots!

I miss my Dad. He could pull me out of the black mood real fast and get me to see the 'lighter side' of life. Oh! How I miss him! I saw what Hate said about his Grandmother, and I know the great effect some, especially older people, can have. They have been through lots and can give some very good opinions and advice.

Something that no one talked about is the sun. I know it helps me to get outside and sit in it for awhile. Not real long, or I'd be burnt. I have a flowerbed, too. It helps me to put my hands on the dirt and see things grow. Kind of a reminder that 'life goes on'. I think there's real value in having a hobby that one can do alone in case nothing is going on and you feel like you need to do something.

Of course, this place is the greatest! Always someone around and interesting topics to read. I don't respond to many posts, because I can't relate or would like some eye contact as I'm more receptive to seeing who I am talking to and miss the body language, but it works. No one has reported me to the boss that I know of, lol!

Jackie :wave:

At different times in the history of my illness different things have helped more or less. For instance when I was on Prozac it made me very manic but now on Cymbalta I have an "even" mood (plus other drugs). Talk therapy at one time was the most benefical. Finding a good pdoc or even a few of them is another way to help us along the dark path. I've been fortunate in that area.

I agree with Jackie that the sun is important and fresh air...something to make you feel alive. There are times though that I want to be in bed in a dark, quiet room forever.

Lately, since I've been feeling better, I am trying to work on diet, exercise, vitamins, etc. I know these things help as well.

I agree with Moriane that if you can work that it can be helpful. However, when you are really sick you cannot work.

Babblel, babble, babble :tounge:

DF of course is the best

I have to say that almost everything on the list has helped me except homeopathic medicine. Therapy has helped me a great deal, as has medication, but without the support of family and friends, I don't know what I'd do. I've learned a great deal from self-help books. Exercise is very important. This website has been of enormous help to me during what is a difficult time. I can't narrow it down and say that any one thing has helped the most. They've all been important.

This post has been edited by katrinasurvivor: Jul 26 2006, 08:17 PM

Just found this lovely site with random affirmation cards on it, hope it helps someone. PM me if you'd like the link.

Sorry I didn't realise I couldn't post a link. Just to describe it , it has affirmation cards that you can click on and you get a new one, they have nice drawings and messages like 'you remember to breathe', 'I let people into my life' , 'you follow your dreams they are worth believing in'

L

This post has been edited by teapot: Jul 30 2006, 05:01 AM

Hi Orion and everybody,
I listed my work as a help because it has only been since May 1 that I figured this out. You see, March 1 I had a nervous breakdown at work and had to go on TDI for 2 months while the medication was adjusted, etc. Just to much work and supervisors with bad attitudes with no sympathy for what we, the workers, had to do around there. My way of having a nervous breakdown at work is for the "final straw that breaks the camel's back" that makes me snap. I ended up in a screamfest with my supervisor and she slammed the door in my face. I clocked out and went back to my dept. to get my keys and bag. The work was piled to the skies. I told one of the girls I was going home and had a panic attack where I couldn't breathe and drove out of the parking lot like a bat out of hell. While driving I remembered OMG I guess I am fired now, what about my health insurance???? Anyway, long story short, I stayed home. Stayed on line just about 24/7. Did nothing. Sometimes didn't get out of my clothes for 3 or more days. Nothing mattered but sitting here like I am now. I gained a lot of weight and thought way too much about things. I don't like thinking. Also I know, the longer I stay home, the more effort it will take to get back out into the world. Plus, who was gonna pay for my 9 prescriptions and dr. visits. I had to get back out there and function. The extra Lamictal began to kick in and I went back to face down the music. To my surprise, no-one gave me too much flak. Nursing homes are notorious for drama, drunks, drug-addicts and lives in shambles so I faded back into the background and here I am. I think I mentioned elsewhere that I work in a large nursing home in the laundry dept. It really doen't take many brains to fetch, sort, wash and fold crappy linen and personal clothes. After a while you don't smell anything much and you get used to what you have to see. I could never work in an office or anywhere quiet because I tend to be loud , swear way too much and get angry and depressed in turn. In other words, I am not the poster child for decorum,lol. I really think the thing that keeps me going is the routine. Without any routine, I would stay in bed, only getting up to eat junk and stay on line. I have to keep struggling, as long as I can, anyway..... *sailing*

Hi Moraine,

Like many of us here you have been through the mill. I am so sorry that things had to get so bad at work for you! I would have left too if my supervisor carried on like that...wow... You had a lot of guts to go back.

I know it is hard when you are depressed to do anything, even the simplest things. I have had many times where I would just stay in bed for days; not showering or anything. My poor husband. I have gained a ton of weight because all I want is sweets (has something to do with serotonin levels so I am told). I also spent tons of time online and a lot of time here at DF. Things are better since I got a decent pdoc and am on some meds and also in therapy. We don't have any insurance (I live in Canada) and my drugs are only in the US so I am paying out of pocket for my meds :verysad3: I swear it is going to break us. I need to get my act together and get a job.

Anyway, I hope you are doing well today. Feel free to PM me. :wink:

Hi Orion
We have much in common. It is after midnight and I should be in bed but here I am on line and just put away a dozen Oreo's and that is only the next in a bunch of sweet stuff that is doing me no good. I am also very fat (can't post wts) but let's just say in the 2nd hand clothing store there's nothing for me to wear. I understand about the drugs and the no insurance. You say you are in Canada. Can you get any Dr. samples to help you out? I had no insurance for 2 years and if it wasn't for dr. samples to help out I don't know what I would have done. Even now, with ins. the co-pays are killing me but if I had to pay for some of this stuff I'd have to do without. eg. on my refill of Lamictal it is $200 for a months supply, that is just one of my pills so I understand you must be so broke paying full price..this isn't right at all. I ran up my credit card on medication and procedures the insurance wouldn't pay for because my plan isn't very good. (Sorry this will turn into a rant if I am not careful....I am so grateful I found these forums because everyone here is saving my sanity...*just wish I was good at playing the games in the cafe Take care and thanks for your understanding and support.... *sailing*

my great short term fix is physical activity, excercise.

and music... like Jamie Cullum here says...

If there's music in the night,
And it's really, really right,
It's the only thing I need.
it intoxicates your mind
All your troubles left behind
So come on and take my lead.
it's not just me who feels it
music plays a mind trick
watch me forget about missing you.

What I always felt helped me with my depression was having the support of friends and relatives. Aside from that, other things that helped me were eating right and exercising regularly believe it or not, and expressing myself through artistic means (like music.)

I really ought to eat more sensibly and exercise more as I'm sure this has an enormous effect on relieving depression. In the past religion has always been a great solace, but I don't really have that anymore. Music is often a great help for me - either performing it or composing it. Unless I'm listening to something particularly depressing, in which case it just compounds the issue.

What helps me get by is music. I play a lot of different instruments, so I like to record them with my Mac. I try to concentrate real hard with my music so I can drown out everything else. Man does it help though!

yup, music works for me too... especially dancing, that always makes me feel better temporarily, even when I'm at my worst. Any kind of exercise is good. Going to work used to kick me out of it, but I haven't been able to do that just the last few months. I've mostly been stuck at home. Other things that have worked include:

Gardening
Singing
Meditation / relaxation tapes
Dying my hair
Comedy shows
Driving really fast with loud music - for some reason I find that really relaxing
Oh yeah, these meds have been really good this time round.

I find a number of things helpful.

First and foremost it would have to be my medication, cos without it I'm not sure how I'd cope (had a weekend without them recently and it was hellish!!) .

THEN tie second would have to be my therapist and my fiance. They're both amazing people and take good care of me esp when i'm feeling down. Obviousy my T can't do much but to console me in words, but that helps me to get back to earth a bit at times and see the sense in what she's saying. She's such an intelligent woman. My fiance does everything he can; cooks, cleans, motivates me, encourages me to do things, holds me when I'm sad, laughs with me in my happy times. I couldn't ask for anything better.

Number 3 would have to be my family. I don't have all that many friends as I noticed when I was putting together the wedding invite list, but I don't care. My mum's my best friend and I love her, and I'm getting on better with dad as each day goes by. They're both always there for me willing to support me in whatever I choose. My brothers and sisters too are there for me when I need them.

Number 4 would have to be books, I got loads of them when I found out about my BPD. I decided to educate myself as much as I could as I was encouraged to, and it really helps.

Number 5 would be exercise. If I'm not having a crap morning like today I cycle halfway to work and then take the bus. That's at least 5 miles a day I do, so it's not that bad. I can't say I enjoy it much, but I enjoy the results of watching my legs and bum get tighter!

I'm back again. When I first replied to this thread, I hadn't been here long, and didn't realise how important these Forums would become to me. It's a good feeling just to be included in a large group of people who have depression in common, No matter where we live or our circumstances or our age. I don't know how anybody else feels but I tend to be a solitary person because in the past no one understood where I was coming from. I've said more on these forums in a month about myself then anyone, including my mother, has known about me. It's being another anonymous face in the crowd here that makes us reveal things, I guess. So I have to add this place to the things that help me with my depression. Also, even tho I spend too much time here than is good for me I have to add this computer. I like the fact that I have access to anything I feel like finding out about (I'm not interested in the deep dark secrets in the shadowy corners of the web, or disgusting trash or anything like that. Obviously from where I am in life I have seen things I'd rather not have seen. But I won't go by choice to see anything of these things. I don't judge people who do, that's none of my business. Also the Sun plays a great part of my feeling alive and active. The week of dark, cloudy and rainy weather we had back in the Spring drove me nuts to the point where I had to call the psych. on call and cry on his shoulder and I hate doing that. His advice to me was go out for a walk. Well he might have been right but when you are at the bottom of the pit, someone has to help you out before you can walk or anything! Thank you, Dr. Clueless. So this is my revised reply, for what it's worth

Now I have a dumb question: what does this mean? I've seen it around, not too often...maybe I'm showing my age in not knowing

= party on or rock on dude!

Different approaches at different times have helped me, but most of all taking the medicine (despite the side-effects), a really supportive nurse who co-ordinates my care, and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Music can also be really helpful - relaxing and uplifting.

It's been hard work though!

KA, good choice. I agree with your choices. I have not had good medical coverage and have not been able to afford therapy for years, but when I could it was Very helpful.

• meds - when I need to...
• exercise
• self help books
• journaling
• watching anime [major escape]
• computer gaming
• Anything that gets me out of the rut - activities [being active]
• talk therapy when I could afford it
• DF :wink:

This post has been edited by littleblackduck: Sep 1 2006, 03:36 PM

Lamictal.
That is what has helped me the most. In my 6 years of actively trying to address and improve my depression plight, nothing has helped as much as Lamictal. I started taking it about 6 months ago and I am thrilled.

But ALL of the things above can help and have helped me. But the question asked for "the most"

This post has been edited by jillivinilly: Sep 1 2006, 03:51 PM

Meds would have to be number one for me. After that is diet and exercise (walking daily).

I know the a/d meds help, but I decided I needed to find and do something I enjoy and not feel guilty about doing. When I was younger I used to like to do crafts. I have discovered that I like to make jewelry with beads and sequins and have started putting some on my clothes. I made 2 pairs of earrings tonight. It lifts me up and when I'm designing the next pair I feel so relaxed. I got into my box of old buttons that my grandma gave me a long time ago and I have already used them on my clothes. Next step is to get back into embroidery and this time I am going to also stitch right onto my clothes.

for me...meds would be the thing that helps the most but these also help:

-a caring, knowledgeable pdoc
-ditto for my therapist
-support from family (mainly my husband and brother)
-flexibility with work/being able to only work part-time
-reading for fun (fiction)
-playing with my daughter
-exercise
-this forum/site --- very supportive for me
-i would like to say 'diet' but i have an eating disorder

This post has been edited by eterea: Sep 4 2006, 08:22 PM

Sorry to be negative but the only thing helping me at the moment is a tranqulizer! - bought a self help book and wanted to hit the author

I find my friends and family and going to work help me the most at the moment. I may not want to go to work some days but it keeps me from sitting at home feeling more depressed (this doesn't always work hence the fact I am sitting at home, off sick, feeling depressed.)

I am hoping at some point it the future they may find me a medication that helps to.

I just started a new job which is a leap from what I used to do. So much to remember, but it seems to have increased my motivation to take care of business at home, instead of procrastinating. Maybe not a job I would otherwise want to do, but if it gets me moving with my life, it's more valuable than the poor $$ it provides!

"Work is good therapy." I have heard this a zillion times from all the psych people. I have to believe they have something, there. As long as you don't feel overwhelmed, it's great!

Jackie

atm nothing seems to help me, having a really bad downer. but trying not to give up, a few days ago i made a list of things to do each day. just to give me something tht ive achieved through the day wheather its one thing or if ive done all of my list. it seems to be helping.
writing thoughts n feelsigs down helps n doing a bit of exercise each day. so far ive found when i do too much i get really down. for first time in ages since school i started working, i did 8 hours of cleaning, its not help at all. pushing myself too far doesnt help so atm im just trying to relax . talking to people who understand me n have been through simlar helps...

This post has been edited by louie: Sep 10 2006, 02:20 PM

What helps the absolute most is changing my thought-stream to a positive one.

I hated it in the beginning, and then slowly it actually started to work. I'm not talking about the fake-happy "everything's so wonderful" kind of rubbish with a fake grin on your face, but something that comes from a real place deep down.. that says, "actually, I really am worthy of being happy, I really am worthy of love and respect." When I finally mastered that, then it all started getting easier.

i have been on meds for 15 years . never felt quit here. kind of doped up. my gp told me he didnt have anything else to help me with my meds quit working and he had tried all the other meds he could. he told me to go to a phyic.i went and found one had my first meeting this week. i was so scared .this was a giant step for me. didnt know what would happen.would they say i was hopeless or lock me up? how could they help me with talk. i had no major problems in my life. well i want to tell u this dr gave me the most perfect thing he could he gave me HOPE! i hadnt had that for so long i didnt know i had lost it. i wish i had went years ago. he not only gave me hope he is a proffesional with drugs. he knows what he is doing. i am so excited. he changed my doseage told me why and now i am waiting for them to work.life can be good i know it can...

Music, in every form helps me to deal with things.

After that, praying, reading and writing are what help me most. I can't really talk about my serious problems, so it eliminates itself. I love solitude and exercises were always a part of my life, they've never helped though. Family and relatives don't care. Meds are already in the picture but not much of a help either...
I think nothing from the list would really help me but music, reading&writing. They provide momentarily solutions and so far it's all I need.

Exercise, even though I have to force myself to do it and don't do it enough. :)

I just received a CBT software program called "Good Days Ahead" by Mindstreet. It's a wonderful interactive program for people who experience depression and/or anxiety. I tried it for the first time this morning and found it very helpful. I am encouraged by the many tools that it offers and I'm looking forward to using it again.

When I really get deep I meditate with some gentle music in the background. That usually clears my head.

Also, daily yoga helps me focus my thoughts more postively. Other than that a good night with some friends, beer, laughs, etc. is perfect for lifting the spirit.