Depression- how to survive it

[white knight]

Survival, what an ultimatum of a word. But in my 63 years I have survived and gone further, how to remain strong and healthy while enduring depression.

1. Treatment. Yes, you might be doing the best you can- consider returning to your GP to tweek those meds, a care plan to talk things over with a professional and so on.
2. Stability. IMO the most delicate area of maintaining stability is other people be it there negative influence or our own problems like intolerance or intrusive thoughts that we tend to end up paranoid about. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/relationship-and-family-issues/fortress-of-s...
3. Environment. Uprooting your family to move to a strange place isnt good for stability but if done wisely that improves your standard of living, it can be life changing that could minimalise moods and depressive episodes.
4. Hobbies and sports. A passion has to come from within, no one can advise you which passion to choose, but if you were to find one then this is a major distraction to your illness. Talking endlessly about our illness often leads to counter productivity. Distraction and keeping busy is good keeping your mind occupied.
5. Conflict resolution. We tend to argue more than others as we are not well. Find strategies that work for both of you to resolve. Consult relationship counseling. Here is one idea- https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/relationship-and-family-issues/relationship-...
6. Acceptance. Easy to say. We are who we are. Our depression is as part of us as our limbs. It is unlikely to go on a planned holiday. Better to accept it with its ups and downs and be more at peace. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/accepting-yourself-the-frog-and...
7. Relaxation. Includes holidays, even one night away with a campfire looking at stars can rejuvenate you and kids love it. Consider a camping unit like a camper trailer or start with a tent
8. Expectations. Please dont expect others to understand your illness. That's what this forum is for, to share your problems. Care for your carer
9. Inner peace. By far in the last 30 years my development personally has been invaluable in the form of spirituality (non religion). To appreciate what I have not what I dont. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/meditation---words-of-wisdom---... 

TonyWK

[blondguy]

Hi TonyWK

Another excellent thread.....Just to start....#1...Treatment....I used to 'fight' my depression by ignoring it and not seeing my GP....That was a mistake....or probably denial on my part at the time. It only made my depression worse

It took me a long time to grasp that there is no 'quick fix' for depression....thus eventually 'coming clean' and having a really good cry with my doctor.....and my community mental health worker.

People without a partner or close friend can sometimes be vulnerable to 'overthinking' or 'fighting' their symptoms as I did....unfortunately

Paul

[white knight]

Hi Paul

thankyou for you honest feedback.

The more knowledgeable I get the more I believe that denial is very normal. For decades I believed I was simply very sensitive and didn’t see my mood swings as a cycle.

We should feel no guilt about not being wary of the normal reaction of denial.

TonyWK

[m00]

What do i do if my gp fobs me off..? I'm destroyed rn. I asked her for help n she pretty much told me to harden up. I'm feeling it's the first n last time I speak to a gp..

[white knight]

Hi

Always get a second or third opinion.

GPs are human and don’t always get it right

TonyWK