Still feeling depressed? What should i do?

Question

I am still feeling depressed for the past week and been crying. I have no health insurance at all, so i can't see anyone for my depression. I have been writing in a journal, watching tv, listening to my favorite music and playing a game on the computer but i still think about 2 things that is really hurting me. I cried tonight and my mom came in to my room and asked what is wrong with me and i told her that i was ok.. but i am afraid to tell her what is bugging me. It seems like i have nothing to tell her about but i feel like my life is going around in circles.

Answer 1

Ask yourself: "Why do I feel depressed, and when did I first start to feel this way: can I associate this with any recent change in my life?" (if so, it is probably situational depression: counselling, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is indicated). Or, was it a more gradual thing, with no apparent cause? (nutritional deficiencies, hypothyroidism, environmental toxicity, or reactions to some medications, etc., becomes more likely as the cause).

Antidepressants work quicker than the following; 2 - 6 weeks, but you may have to adjust dosage, or types, whereas St. John's wort is effective for most people, tolerance doesn't develop, and the few side effects don't occur often, and even then are normally not severe.

It doesn't cause sleeping problems, or weight change, but usually takes at least 2, and generally 4 - 6 weeks to become effective. A recent, independent German double blind study showed it to be as effective as Sertraline (marketed in the USA as Zoloft: a commonly prescribed antidepressant) in cases of major depression, with far fewer side effects, and those were generally better tolerated, with a lower rate of discontinuation. Unlike antidepressants, where sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, it happens much more rarely with St. John's wort (I have noticed no effect in this area).

Remember back to a time when life was full of promise, or a day when you felt particularly good, or possibly excited from a good result. Emotional states are associated with memories, and if it isn't major depression, this method can help.

A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not St. John's wort, because of interactions, and it's sensible to check out anything else first with your doctor.

(1.) Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. Also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; a deficiency in vitamin B9 (folic acid, or folate) is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. Depressed females using the contraceptive pill may benefit from vitamin B6 supplements. ~~~ (2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes minutes of exercise, daily, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly. Too much exercise can cause stress, which isn't wanted when dealing with depression. ~~~ (3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain).

(4.) Use daily, a relaxation method* and/or yoga*, and/or Tai Chi. ~~~ (5.) Initially, at least, some form of counselling, preferably either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy. ~~~ (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule. ~~~ (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (the strength varies, but the supplier should be using a standardised hypericin content, so follow the directions) or supplements, such as SAMe, or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55).

If 5HTP is used to boost serotonin levels, (which are low in depressed people) it is best taken with a high carbohydrate, minimal protein meal, like pasta with tomato & basil, and avoid protein for 90 minutes, before, and after, to maximise the amount crossing the blood/brain barrier.

Also, 80% of people in the Western world have low magnesium levels, and these are known to cause depression & anxiety. Try the magnesium supplement types shown in http://www.real-depression-help.com/ Some of these will be available in pharmacies, or supermarkets. Low levels of calcium, and potassium can also cause depression. Have your blood tested, and correct any deficiencies, preferably through improved nutrition.

An improvement can be noticed in as little as a week, if a deficiency is the cause. Also, iodised salt is much preferable to regular salt (one of the treatments in books on depression is iodine drops). Try to imagine, as vividly as possible, a time in the not too distant future, when you have overcome this temporary setback, and things are much better. *View section 2, on the first 3 pages, and also pages R, C, I, and section 11, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris and see your school counselor.

Answer 2

I think you should sleep. Sleeping made me feel better when I was depressed. I hated listening to music because it made me feel worse... But that's just me.

Answer 3

Hi friend,

       I know how you are feeling now.. But let me tell you onething just tell everything and how you are feeling to your mother when she comes near you and asks you and am sure that it will surely get ridoff the depression you have in your life.. and am sure you will be asusual when you share all your feelings with someone who is so close to you...

It surely works out.. Open up your heart and speak up everything whatever you feel to speak to her and make your heart to feel lighter..

Answer 4

just keep writing in your journal so by the time you have the money to consult your doctor you will be able to tell her your prob.

Answer 5

Read cognitive therapy self help books like this one by Albert Ellis:

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=0...

or "Feeling Good: the New Mood Therapy" by David D. Burns

Answer 6

At this point it seems that your mom is the only option, sometimes it feels good to get something off your chest. Shes the one person who won't judge.

Answer 7

talk!

be honest!

want to get better!

your family may be your best resource.

Answer 8

If you are in the united states call this number and see if there is any no cost or low cost health care in your area.  It is  a suicide hotline, but they can do referals.  http://suicidehotlines.com/

I would tell your mom what is going on.  You could also see help from your school counsellor if you are in high school or the student health center if you are in college.

Answer 9

It's because Kyle Busch is a much better driver than Dale Jr and you're having troulbe coming to terms with that. Good luck.

Answer 10

I think you should just open up and talk to your Mom.  When you are feeling depressed like that, you definitely need to talk to someone!  If you feel like you cannot talk to your mother, than find someone else that you trust.  Even if you feel that you have nothing to say...just by breaking the ice and saying how you are feeling at the moment may lead you to come out with whatever it is you are feeling down about.  Getting things out in the open is the best way to deal with emotions.  Writing in your journal is also a great way to express yourself.  Just don't lock yourself up alone.....it is not healthy for your mind.

Good Luck to you...!