How do you deal with depression when you are going through some very stressful times?

Question

I meditate but the stress is daily and I would like to know what others do in this type of situation. Hopefully it will end soon but maybe not. Any suggestions of a non religious nature?

Answer 1

For me, my home is my haven. I have fixed it up to be very soothing and comforting to be in. I chose colors I like and painted the walls, made the curtains, got some plants and hung up some art on the walls that I like. I did it on the cheap, but it looks good. So for a start, I suggest that you have someplace to go at the end of the stressful day where you feel good and you can refresh your spirit. I don't know what your situation is, but whatever it is, it might help to figure out if some of the stress can be fixed with a different approach. If not, you may have to just find novel and resourceful coping mechanisms. Good luck to you. I hope you soon feel better.  

Answer 2

Exercise, even if you don't want to.

It's the miracle drug.

Answer 3

I don't deal with depression very well.  The only way that I have learned to deal with it is to emotionally disconnect from whatever is causing me pain.  I'm still not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing :(  

((((((hug))))))

Answer 4

There are lots of things you can try.   The most important, in my opinion, is to try to accomplish something everyday.  It doesn't have to be a big thing, just something to feel like you are making headway in life.  

I just wrote an article about beating depression for ehow.  There are some other thoughts in there, as well.  Good Luck!

http://www.ehow.com/how_4475640_beat-dep...

Answer 5

Chances are it is the stress causing the depression. Have you seen a medical practitioner about this? Or even a therapist perhaps. If it doesn't end soon and you haven't already done so, it might be wise to seek medical help in regards to the depression before it escilates.

Is there something in particular that is causing stress on a daily basis? Why does it cause you stress?

Is there anything you can do to get out of the daily stressful situation? (ie eradicating it from your life?).

Yes? Begin the process of eliminating what is causing the stress - or make changes that will reduce the amount of stress it causes.

No, seek the advise of a medical practitioner. Especially if you have already suffered for a prolonged period of time.

In the meantime try listening to a soothing sounds cd (rainforest,water, birds etc) whilst relaxing in a warm with some oil such as lavender and Bergamot which are known for relaxing qualities. It's easier to think clearly when you are relaxed.

Something I have been trying for the last couple of weeks though:

Each morning tell yourself 5 positive things about yourself personally, and say 5 positive things about what you want to get out of the day ahead. Write them down and put them in your purse, diary pocket ect. In the evenings or when you get a few spare moments, write in a journal about your day in general and keep the positive affirmations for that day in there and note whether you felt they had any affect on how you took on the day...

Try anything you get enjoyment out of, from reading quietly in a park to cranking up your stereo and belting out your old faves in your worst voice (who cares bout the neighbours?) - anything that takes your mind to another place and makes you feel great about yourself...Even  if it's just for a little while.

Have fun...

Answer 6

I deal with it one day at a time.

I think meditation is great.  Listening to music always helps me too.

Just keep moving forward.  One foot in front of the other and face whatever life throws at you.

Sometimes a good cry is good, but don't let it consume you.

If depression is a real problem, speak to your doctor.  There are many medications that will help take the edge off.

Avoid stressful situations, if possible.  Keep your guard up.

Answer 7

Take a "me" day. Do something for yourself. Buy yourself a new outfit, or go to the salon or spa, or get yourself a bouquet of your favorite flowers. It helps.

  

Answer 8

I start thinking about "Plan B"

Answer 9

Anything nice/good you can do for someone else will force your mind out of the cycle of feeling the stress, and help you past it. You can volunteer, spend some time with a lonely elderly person, offer to watch a young mom's baby for an hour to give her a break, read to kids at the library, walk someone's dog--anything to get you out of your own little world of stress.  

Answer 10

I drink. Problem solved!

Answer 11

I am going through stressful times right now.  I try to keep my mind busy. I now have a double whammy of living in a very hot house and heat also depresses me.  For me it is all a waiting game.  If I didn't have a child to take of, I would sleep more to pass the time.

Answer 12

straight.simple.real.

the one and only person to turn to

GOD for he is the only way.

Answer 13

go to your dr and maybe he will prescribe you some xanex that helps real good with stress

Answer 14

I force myself to get outside,whether it's to walk or gardening...anything.It definitely lifts my spirits.

Hope you feel better soon,sweetie.

Answer 15

Answer: If you do not feel that anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications are the route for you, I would recommend you consider trying either valerian root or a couple of the herbal teas put out by Celestial Seasonings.  Both their Tension Tamer and Sleepytime varieties contain the type of herbs which may be useful in the situation you describe.