I am going to cure my depression!

[StephD]

I have severe depression and I think it's about time to get rid of it.

If people can cure other diseases then why not depression?

I am not going to mask this thing with medication. I am going to eat healthy, and avoid sugar like the plague. I am going to exercise more. Drink more green tea. I am going to watch funny movies and go places even if I have no motivation. I am going to quit smoking. I am going to listen to more meditation. I am going to try damn hard to think positive. I am going to try to get rid of this bastard once and for all. I will try neuroplasticity techniques. I will not let this thing eat away the rest of my life!

Even if I have to pretend to feel emotion. If something sad happens I will pinch myself until I cry. If something exciting happens I will jump up and down and smile. If I feel I should be angry I will frown. If I practice feeling emotion, maybe one day I will.

Does anyone else have any tips for me? I am going to cure my depression.

[Chicken_Wings]

Hey Steph,

you sound determined! Don't forget though that medication isn't necessarily a mask, it can be righting a chemical imbalance. But it's totally your perogative not to take it.

there is an app called Headspace which has some good guided 10 minute meditation sessions. It focuses on redirecting unhealthy thoughts, focusing your mind etc.

you can pay to unlock other features too if you find it helps you.

yoga is also good. As is talking. Some days you might feel down, but getting it out can be a great relief. 

Getting 30 minutes of sunshine a day is meant to help. Vitamin d is important when you have depression.

goals are another great thing. Life feels like it has so much more purpose when you are working towards something. So set some achievable goals and you'll feel great when you achieve them.

most of all, remember that you dont have to pretend everything is ok it's not. If you need someone to go with you when you go out, then ask. 

There is a song I listen to when I'm feeling determined, Black Dog by Andy Bull. Look it up.

[Guest_1055]

Hello StephD

Yes you sure do sound determined, just like chicken wings mentioned. I love it and it's a very admiring quality that you have.

You know there is emotion coming through in your writing here, very strong emotion. I felt it, and it made me feel more motivated and encouraged somehow. So a big thankyou for that.

I too am trying to eat very healthy. And yes consuming sugar always effects my mental and emotional well being. I went on a two week fresh juice fast in October. The difference in my well being was very noticeable, my emotions were stable, no up and down, and a sense of just being calm and rested within myself. 

There is no pressure, but I would love to know how you progress.

Also I am not so sure about the medications, but it does seem some people need them.

Anyway just wanted to say hello.

Shelley xxxx

[White_Rose]

Dear Steph

That's a huge ambition and I applaud your determination. Yes I believe you can help yourself to health. I recently stopped taking ADs for several reasons and I am also determined not to return to them. I am beginning to feel so much more clear in my mind. It was a horrible journey to start with and there were so many physical problems to contend with, as well as the psychological. It's not just a matter of getting the chemicals out of your body. We get dependent on being supplied with these resources and at first we are too fragile to manufacture our needs alone. withdrawal is as much physical as psychological.

And as Chicken Wings has said, some people really do need ADs or other meds. I had the care and concern of my GP to help me. My psychologist decided that the result of the adverse interaction between my ADs and cancer meds were not sufficient excuse for harming myself during the worst of the event and refused to acknowledge my pain. So we are no longer meeting. This was extremely hard but in a perverse way was also helpful. It made me determined to get well on my own.

Having been "cast off" by a psych it may seem strange to suggest it could help you to have someone to talk to regularly and help monitor your progress. There are some good psychs out there and having an objective person to toss around ideas, ways and means, and generally help with your motivation, may be beneficial. Anyway, you could mull over that idea.

All the self care actions you have described are vital. I discovered the hard way the value of eating properly and reasonable exercise. Please keep us updated with your progress.

Mary