How to kill depression

takamichinoku

It's not about killing it, it's about finding ways to deal with it surely? Exercise can be one way, of course.

It's very frustrating that my mood can abruptly drag **** to a halt, it's very frustrating to have the options I have had (and still do have) and fail to be capable of capitalising on them so often too, but beating myself up about it isn't going to help. I've definitely stopped ****ing up things on myself as much since I've accepted that there's going to be points where I won't be able to force myself to do things and feel better but I can at least give myself whatever comforts I can to weather it until I see an opportunity arise.
Accepting that I sometimes need to actively ask for other people's help was a big one too. I only really have a few I can turn to in those situations but from what I can see that's a few more than a lot of people do; I'm pretty fortunate that a few people stuck with me a few years back despite my persistent attempts to cut them off.

Lisha

sup_dude wrote: »

This is my point from before. If you tell people they can't get rid of depression, then they won't. I really dislike the idea that depression can only be managed, not gotten rid of. Getting rid of depression is not something only a select few people can do, it's something that can be done by everyone. However, it's not possible people keep telling them that it's not, especially considering the vunerable mental state depression puts you in. Yes, it takes effort, doesn't everything? It's not impossible. The sooner we get rid of the idea that depression is for life, the better.

I do not agree with you at all.
Please do not twist my reply to make it seem like I agree with you.

Would you tell someone with a broken bone to get over it?? Would you tell a diabetic to stop taking insulin once they felt better. No, it takes time to heal. The brain is an organ. Any illness if any organ must be treated according to medical best practise.

Depression is not cured permanently by mind over matter.

Macavity.

With regard to exercising, it releases feel good chemicals in the brain (BDNF as well as endorphins) which is why it is helpful for managing depression, it's not a cure however.

From my own experience I'm very skeptical of SSRIS. I know they have helped people and certainly have a place, but certain medical professionals are handing them out like they're going out of fashion, and I have to wonder what they are being told by the companies that produce them - it's a big money business.

FullblownRose

Hmm. I can see sup-dude's point, and speaking of best efforts, I know plenty of people who post about their depression on a daily basis on Facebook but pour scorn over the idea that anything could possibly alleviate let alone kill or cure it. While it can be hard to see the woods from the trees, if a person won't even entertain the idea of attempting anything that might have some chance of helping them then they're ensuring that they won't feel better. It seems like a self fulfilling prophecy. The same people would be very quick to let people know how debilitating their depression is and what a daily struggle they go through. And you cannot help or even discuss it for fear of being accused of having a ''Just snap out of it'' or 'Oh just cheer up'' attitude.

fryup

depression is so isolating, cause no one wants to be around someone who's sad and down in the mouth

its just not socially acceptable to be sad, you're just sneered at

"laugh and the world laughs with you

weep and you weep alone"

FullblownRose

fryup wrote: »

depression is so isolating, cause no one wants to be around someone who's sad and down in the mouth

its just not socially acceptable to be sad, you're just sneered at

"laugh and the world laughs with you

weep and you weep alone"

That's the difference between real friends and fair weather friends.

However if people are constantly being a friend to their depressed friend who never, ever thinks about how others are doing-even other depressed friends or friends who are struggling!- inevitably the support will trail off

InReality

FullblownRose wrote: »

Hmm. I can see sup-dude's point, and speaking of best efforts, I know plenty of people who post about their depression on a daily basis on Facebook but pour scorn over the idea that anything could possibly alleviate let alone kill or cure it. While it can be hard to see the woods from the trees, if a person won't even entertain the idea of attempting anything that might have some chance of helping them then they're ensuring that they won't feel better. It seems like a self fulfilling prophecy. The same people would be very quick to let people know how debilitating their depression is and what a daily struggle they go through. And you cannot help or even discuss it for fear of being accused of having a ''Just snap out of it'' or 'Oh just cheer up'' attitude.

Ah here.
Have you ever been depressed ? Its important for a depressed person to make themselves heard. And your not going to logic them out of their depression how ever much you think its the way to go. Its nothing to do with a self fulfilling prophecy.

Now the stats do bear out that a lot of people can get over depression completely ( i.e it does not reoccur ) - but usually that fact is not much use to a person in the midst of a depression.

edit - maybe your weren't talking about people with clinical depression , its one of the problems with the language we use in this are.

FullblownRose

InReality wrote: »

Ah here.
Have you ever been depressed ? Its important for a depressed person to make themselves heard. And your not going to logic them out of their depression how ever much you think its the way to go. Its nothing to do with a self fulfilling prophecy.

Now the stats do bear out that a lot of people can get over depression completely ( i.e it does not reoccur ) - but usually that fact is not much use to a person in the midst of a depression.

I didn't say it wasn't. Nor did I suggest logic-ing them out of it.

I didn't say depression IS a self fulfilling prophecy in itself. please try re reading.

TommieBoy

Maybe Mork has some insights... if not on depression, then loneliness...

Mork: This week I discovered a terrible disease called loneliness.

Orson: Do many people on Earth suffer from this disease?
Mork: Oh yes sir, and how they suffer. One man I know suffers so much he has to take a medication called bourbon, even that doesn't help very much because then he can hear paint dry.

Orson: Does bed rest help?
Mork: No because I've heard that sleeping alone is part of the problem. You see, Orson, loneliness is a disease of the spirit. People who have it think that no one cares about them.

Orson: Do you have any idea why?
Mork: Yes sir you can count on me. You see, when children are young, they're told not to talk to strangers. When they go to school, they're told not to talk to the person next to them. Finally when they're very old, they're told not to talk to themselves, who's left?

Orson: Are you saying Earthlings make each other lonely?
Mork: No sir I'm saying just the opposite. They make themselves lonely, they're so busy looking out for number one that there's not enough room for two.

Orson: It's too bad everybody down there can't get together and find a cure.

Mork: Here's the paradox sir because if they did get together, they wouldn't need one.

FullblownRose

[QUOTE=InReality;91697678

Now the stats do bear out that a lot of people can get over depression completely ( i.e it does not reoccur ) - but usually that fact is not much use to a person in the midst of a depression.

It might not be of much use but for some it might offer hope if/when they are able to proccess it. It's not as though it's a command, 'get better because other people have done so''. Or is that how it seems to you?

Murray007

Having experience of depression, I do think you have to live with it for life, accept that and manage it as well as you can.

I was diagnosed very young. I have had periods of chronic depression where it was obvious to everyone and I was treated with SSRIs. I never thought that they helped and in fact with one Seroxsat, which is now banned, I was at the closest to suicide that I have ever been.

What helps is recognising the triggers, exercise, group activities forcing socialising, achievement in study, work or sport. I describe myself as cycling madly along a narrow wall with a big drop on both sides. So long as I kept active and out there it works at staving off the problem without having to take meds. The difficulty is when there is a wobble or challenge in life, then it's hard to stop myself from slipping under. Most people now wouldn't suspect that I live with depression.

I have looked into ECT in the past as a possible permanent solution and wouldn't rule it out if I loose control of my illness at any time in the future.

I do believe it to be a life long condition once it takes hold of you.

Lisha

Best of luck murray007.
I really hope you win the battle. I really admire your attitude.

InReality

FullblownRose wrote: »

I didn't say it wasn't. Nor did I suggest logic-ing them out of it.

I didn't say depression IS a self fulfilling prophecy in itself. please try re reading.

Well sounds like your giving out or criticizing what people with depression do , and/or what their thought processes are.
What are you saying ?

Yester

mike_ie wrote: »

No offense, but if it were that easy to overcome depression, half of us here would be out jogging every morning. Part of dealing with depression is realising and accepting the fact that there isn't one easy solution, sad to say, and that it can't just be brushed away with exercise or similar

You can't 'kill' depression. The best one can do is to try to learn to deal with it, and to seek help with it if you can.




[edit]Hyperbole and a Half gives one of the best descriptions of depression that I have ever come across. Well worth the five minutes it takes to read it.

Adventures in Depression
Depression Part Two

Brilliant links!

FullblownRose

InReality wrote: »

Well sounds like your giving out or criticizing what people with depression do , and/or what their thought processes are.
What are you saying ?

Since not everyone with depression does, says or thinks exactly the same, of course I wasn't. There was no 'giving out'. For all you know I could be depressed myself. in which case would I not be criticising myself?

Murray007

FullblownRose wrote: »

[QUOTE=InReality;91697678

Now the stats do bear out that a lot of people can get over depression completely ( i.e it does not reoccur ) - but usually that fact is not much use to a person in the midst of a depression.

It might not be of much use but for some it might offer hope if/when they are able to proccess it. It's not as though it's a command, 'get better because other people have done so''. Or is that how it seems to you?

I am in those stats as someone who got over it as I have not sought treatment in some many years. I am not over it, I wake up every single morning and say to myself it's not going to get me today and hope to god it doesn't.

For the guys who say cheer up, you have no idea how chronic depression effects you. Apart from the mental numbness, the physical effects are incapacitating. I remember lying in bed one day and having to will each part of my body to move so I could get up and go to the toilet. I couldn't muster the energy to get my fingers to move, I had to ask a family member to help me up! I was on SSRIs at the time.

Shakespeare's Sister

I assume everyone knows anti depressants on their own is not enough of a treatment (if they're needed in the first place) but that doesn't change that they serve a vital purpose.

LizzieJones

When I start feeling down I take some St. John's Wort at bedtime. After a couple of days I feel right as rain again.

It has helped me for years.

Macavity.

Magaggie wrote: »

I assume everyone knows anti depressants on their own is not enough of a treatment (if they're needed in the first place) but that doesn't change that they serve a vital purpose.

The problem is some doctors are not honest (or perhaps misinformed) about these drugs and are dismissive of the possibility of side effects occurring. They understate the changes that these drugs can cause on both your body and mind, and from experience, I have been told contradicting information from different medical professionals - that's worrying to me.

Dermighty

ilovebiology wrote: »

In light of the sad death of Robin Williams, which was an apparent suicide, I decided to include a very good article which is very helpful with killing and preventing a relapse of depression. I hope this helps someone out there.

Thanks.

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2014/01/15/3-ways-to-beat-depression-through-exercise/

I train Brazilian jiu jitsu 6 days a week upwards of 120 minutes a session and I still get depressed.

Exercise is good for depression if you don't exercise, I exercise more than most and it hasn't killed my depression.

There is no solution to depression except to keep living.

Ave Sodalis

snollup wrote: »

I'm sorry but these type of arrogant post by users who have absolutely no fu*king idea of what there talking really makes my blood boil.

Please try to keep your uneducated thought to yourselves as there are extremely offencive to people that battle with depression on a daily basis.

Hi, they are not uneducated thoughts. They are from personal experience with depression, talking countless people out of suicide and extensive research (I tend to go OCD about things like this). Please read my very first post.

Lisha wrote: »

I do not agree with you at all.
Please do not twist my reply to make it seem like I agree with you.

Would you tell someone with a broken bone to get over it?? Would you tell a diabetic to stop taking insulin once they felt better. No, it takes time to heal. The brain is an organ. Any illness if any organ must be treated according to medical best practise.

Depression is not cured permanently by mind over matter.

I am not tell people to get over it. Nowhere in my posts have I said that. Nor am I twisting what you said.

I understand that depression is an emotional topic for people. However, I ask you to actually read my posts. I am saying that it is time to stop telling people that depression can't be cured. It can be. I am not saying that they're not doing enough, I am not telling people to just get over it. In fact, I have said the opposite. I am not taking away from depression in any way. I have suffered from depression. What I am saying is that it is not true to tell people that you cannot get rid of depression, and by saying that you are increasing the chance that they won't. What I am saying is that it would be a good idea to tell people that you CAN get over depression, because you can. Everyone can. Nowhere here have I said that people aren't doing enough, nor have I said for people to just get over it. I am simply asking for a bit of a mind shift in the road to recovery. I apologise if I didn't make that clear and have, as a result, offended people. However, what I have been accused of saying in my posts was not the intended message.

gozunda

It is a fact that some individuals suffering from depression do end up killing themselves despite various treatments

It would also appear that at least some do so to seek some release from the pain of depression as Treatment does not always result in success for all individuals.

Robin Williams was bipolar, it's much much more than depression.
Robin had access and money to the best care that could be provided. In the end it made no difference. People do not realise just how severe depression can alter your mindset and way of thinking. Severe mania does the same.
Depression is a term that covers a multitude. There is varying levels and types.
I have bipolar and have been in the depths of dispair, driving down the motorway at 180kph deciding if I should swerve into the bridge coming up. Am still alive but can't say why I am not dead by my own hand.
For about 6 years I tried every type of drug and therapy available and eventually found a combination that minimizes the depression and mania episodes.
If you have never experienced the power of severe depression on yourself, repeatedly, then you cannot be expected to understand why some people chose to take their own lives.

catallus

Deleted User wrote: »

If you have never experienced the power of severe depression on yourself, repeatedly, then you cannot be expected to understand why some people chose to take their own lives.

I get what you're saying in your post but this line here over-complicates the thing.

Suicide isn't a mysterious phenomenon, no matter how much some people would like to think it is.

Suicide doesn't make a person special, in the sense that they're going through "something no-one else can understand" (and neither does depression, for that matter). It is easy to understand these things, there are educational courses for professionals who can treat those with depression and suicidal thoughts.

I get the idea of treating the subject with lots of sensitivity, but saying that doing something so awful as taking one's own life confers some sort of mystique is misguided at best, and could plausibly promote suicidal behaviour in those people who are tormented by their own personal demons.

ShadowHearth

Thing is, it's a different way for people to battle and deal with depression.
For last year I was up to my tits in it, I was not even sure I actually had it. My work barely giving any income, shooting down any offers to do something or go out with friends, at some point they did not even bothered anymore with me, even barely talking to herself, who just pretty much abandoned me to myself due to her passive nature and she just spent more time with Facebook then me. I just felt like being a piece of meat with no purpose. I would sometimes just sit in front of a screen and just blankly stare at icons.
2 weeks ago herself left me after 10 years together. She was the only family member I had. The only one person who I trusted and loved. She was the last one I expected to back stab me.
I got desperate, even thinking about cutting myself, and almost did, if my friends would not have taken away all the knifes ( even the ones I hid) and got me drunk to the point where I just passed out. Few days later I got desperate again and I knew I had to get out from home and at least talk to ( just cry really) or I will do something stupid. Luckily one of the friends was at home and sorted me out with some tea and a pair of ears.
Then it snaped to me: "I am tired of being miserable! Why the feck everyone else can move on and I am just stuck here in bits and wasting my life even more, tired of feeling sorry about myself!".
Believe it or not, a lot of help was from boards.ie too ( mostly from Ah and motors forums).
Since then I trained my dog to walk on the leash ( he is 3 and he never ever had a leash on him), for the first time in my life went fishing in Valentia island ( almost broke my neck on the cliffs, but I never sow anything so beautiful in my life and I caught 4 fish! ), I am eating healthy ( no more fast food, potatoes, bread, fried or pan fried stuff), doing work out at home and almost daily walk 3.5miles, got a better deal at work, so hopefully from next week I will be working a lot more and get my finances back on track. I am meeting my friends regularly now.
I am not out of the hole yet, I know I will still going to have bad days, but I am working towards getting better. I like the new me, I wanted herself to help me get out of it, and in the way she did, but in complete opposite way...

Problem with depression that there is no one single cure for all of it. Solution is different for everyone. Finding solution is the hardest thing. In my instance, losing someone that I loved gave me a kick to move on with my life.

steamengine

What I've found useful is outdoor exercise. Cycling suits me best, but alternatives would be walking or golf when the opportunity arises. We know that the sun boosts serotonin and exercise releases endorphins. I cycle daily for an hour and a half, every day unless it's raining heavily or blowing a hooligan. For 'ordinary' medically diagnosed depression I have found it to be as beneficial as the meds I was prescribed some two years back, and I was happy to ditch them.

I also re-engaged with some hobbies from my youth, which fired up 'my soul' - the real me, in other words, and so my mind will dwell on these activities instead of the hordes of negative thoughts which depression seems to seek out if given the space.

Some days I had to drag myself out cycling, but the effort has so far produced a nice relaxed feeling on returning home. I would strongly suggest that other sufferers muster up the self will to just try it, if they don't partake in outdoor exercise. :-)

MayoSalmon

Do we know Robin Williams was depressed or is this an assumption based on the cause of death?

ShadowHearth

MayoSalmon wrote: »

Do we know Robin Williams was depressed or is this an assumption based on the cause of death?

I heard about him being depressed from years ago. He was battling with it for years and years. Ironically a lot of big comedians suffer from it. Jim Carrey is one of them too.

fryup

ShadowHearth wrote: »

Ironically a lot of big comedians suffer from it. Jim Carrey is one of them too.

carrey would be in the robin williams mould i.e. manic, wired to the moon etc

FanadMan

LETHAL LADY wrote: »

I've a Bipolar family member and she can never get rid of it and will need meds to function, probably for the rest of her life.

I'm bipolar and have been on meds for years. And from all accounts (speaking to different doctors and therapists) I will be on them for the rest of my life. The depression side is horrible and I know that I will pull through from any of the real lows but the worst and scariest are the manic episodes. That is why I need to stay on the meds.

I know exercise helps depression to a point - but it helps the body in every way. Mind you, when really down, exercise is the last thing on my mind.