Self help for depression?
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It's fine that you don't want to go to a therapist. Personally, I wouldn't want to either; it's hard for me to open up to someone I don't know very well. Here's some things that really helped me get through depression:
-Eat right, drink water, get your sleep, and EXERCISE!! (exercising releases chemicals that are natural anti-depressants)
-Keep a diary. (I've had one since I was 7 years old but when I went through depression it was so helpful to have something to just pour your emotions into)
-Go outside (whether you want to just spend some time with your garden or at the mall, get outside your house. You can either go alone or with friends, but I'd say it'd be easier if you do a 50/50 kind of thing with that)
-Listen to up-beat music (If you like heavy metal like I do, DON'T LISTEN TO IT (until you get over your depression). Listen to the most up-beat music you can get. Depression is hard enough getting through; you don't need to listen to someone else's depression)
-Love yourself (this was possibly the hardest step I had to go through. It's impossible to get through depression if you don't love and respect yourself)
-Get help (You don't necessarily have to go to therapy, but it helps so much talking to a close friend or family member. If you don't think you want to talk to them about your problems, get a pet cat or dog. They're scientifically proven to help you feel better about life..as long as they don't make messes and such >_<)
-Move on (I know this is hard, but just say to yourself 'This was then, this is now'. Our past is something for us to learn from and to maybe have some good memories from, NOT to cry over)
-Think positive (Life may not be fair, but it's a joy to have. And remember, if you THINK positive, YOU will be positive and so will your life.)
-Cry (if you're sad, don't hold it in! If you're mad, go ahead a punch a pillow or take a few deep breaths. Just make sure to let all your emotions out in a healthy way; letting it out in an unhealthy way can make things complicated and possibly even worse then before.)
-Do things you love (Keep yourself happy :D )
Medication didn't really help me, but it wouldn't hurt for you to help! I hope you get better and be happy! Life's too short to live otherwise.
P/S: Here's an up-beat song that always had me smiling and dancing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw8atwgpu...
For me it's a matter of taking care of myself. So I eat right (veggies, fruit and lean protein avoiding processed foods as much as possible). I sleep at least seven hours a night (sometimes this means a mild otc sleeping pill).Finally, I exercise regularly. I keep fit for the endorphins which are the bodies natural "anti-depressant".
None of these things are a replacement for dealing with the actual problems. The just give you the tools to deal with the stress of facing the problem.
I personally don't do well with therapy, it's hard for me to open up to a stranger. However, I journal and talk to friends and family to work out my issues.
I hope my experience helps you find your path to health.
Try reading the book "Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy" by Burns. It's been around for many years and is still the standby I use with clients. It's written for a lay person and is easy to understand and will help you to pinpoint the thinking errors common in depression, regardless of the causes or triggers, and how to correct those errors to healthier ways of thinking.
Good Luck!
See depression treatments, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris... page 2
Mr. Peachy is right on. There's a link on his webpage to this site:
http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/
Check it out. It's a decent introduction to cognitive therapy, the basis behind Burns' books. It's no substitute for the books, however. Nobody tells it (and has you do it) better than Burns. He's the best. Here's a link to the book that Peachy is talking about:
http://www.seekwellness.com/bookstore/bo...
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