I am really depressed and can't find a way to pull myself out of it. I talk about it but it doesn't help, try to do the things I normally like but just don't really care about them or anything. I can't take antidepressants so I am really at a loss. Are there any secrets out there of how to pull yourself out of it? Or do you just always have to wait it out?
I would check in with your family physician, if you have one, to see if you might need more Vitamin D or if Sam-e might help. I found out recently that I was deficient
on Vitamin D. My doctor gave me a high potency Vitamin to take for 3 months and I bought a VitD supplement with Calcium. This has lessended the severity of my depressive times. Also I have heard from friends that Sam-e helps with many things including sleep and general mood. Hope this helps.
Jen.....When in the throes of depression, it is really really difficult to make yourself do much of anything. I empathize with you and can certainly identify based on my own experiences.
Here are some things that I have tried when very depressed that might help. What works for one does not always work for another, but any of these might be worth the effort:
1. Proper sleep. At my worst, I was sleeping nearly 18 hours a day. The more I slept, the more depressed I became. My doctor suggested I try setting an alarm clock - eventually it made some difference. As my sleep decreased, my depression improved. For me, sleep is my best indicator in relationship to my bipolar, manic or depressed.
2. Do something each day that makes you feel good. Little things can make a big difference. Perhaps light a candle or some incense, sprinkle a little lavender in the bath once a day, call a supportive friend, hug your pet, get dressed every day, go outside and breathe the fresh air. Some of these things have worked pretty well for me.
3. Read a book. In my very worst and most difficult depression back in the 80's, at some point I picked up a book or magazine. It took me "out of myself" for just a little while. To this day, when I feel depression coming on, I read. Curiously, it always makes a difference.
4. Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Fish oil makes a good difference for lots of bipolars. I don't take it regularly but am thinking about buying some next trip to the market. You might want to discuss this with your doc.
5. Get some sun. Here in the upper midwest, it's pretty gloomy and overcast during Jan/Feb. My brain feels the difference. Many people use the light box - my doc highly recommends bipolars use them.
Sure hope you work your way out of this depression soon. There are many natural medicines out there that holistics believe in. If you can't take psych meds, you may want to do some research on this alternative. Good blessings and may you find things that work for you and get you back on track.
Judy
Thank you for your suggestions, what I liked the most though, was how you said that you could feel your depression coming on. Usually it feels like it just hits me out of the blue, but I will try and pay attention next time so I can put together a plan to avoid it getting as bad, and feel like I have a little control over it.
having depression, is just a bitch. when im IN IT, nothing seems to help. it seems to have a mind, and cycle all of its own. kinda like, well, how long is this one gonna last. you said the thing that helps me the most. just the knowledge that it`s temporary, nothing really helps with the symptoms, sleeping, feeling heavy, putting myself down, all the stuff that goes with it. when i get up in the morning, or afternoon, i know in about 2 seconds whether this particular episode is subsiding or sticking around for another day. love the manic episodes, but, im never really sure if i feel good naturally or if its the mania. take care.
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I'm not and expert but when I was depressed without taking any medication, depression was always in my head and messing up my life. I now take medication for it and it's a lot easier to control it and to deal with it.
I don't know why you can't take antidepressants but that's one of the things that treat better depression. What does your doctor say about it?
Alex
Well, I actually can take antidepressants, it's just in the past they have thrown me into a manic episode so I choose not to anymore. My therapist said that I should just keep trying to do the things that make me feel good, I am but it's just hard. I can't wait for it to be over! Thanks for your comment!