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Posted 10/13/2008 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
confused I know I have depression, but I don't like taking pills. I did take paxil when I turned 18, but stop a couple months later. I have only really talked to a couple of really close friends about my issues. I have a really hard time to open up to someone and tell them what I feel or how I'm doing. I just turned 28 almost a month ago, and I still have a very hard time opening up to people. I am however a very good listener(I'd rather be the one listening than the one doing the talking). cry I feel lost and alone a lot. I do have a great 5yr old son who just started kindergarten. Other than that, my folks live a few miles away, but I never could tell them all I feel. I got pregnant with my in 2002. It wasn't exactly planned. My son's father lives only 20 miles away, yet he doesn't visit with him. His father expects me to take him to see him. I never once bad talked his father to my son. I feel he should know him as he sees him. Other than that, I am still single. I had several boyfriends since I had my son, but they wanted me to get married right away, and I wanted to take it slow. I also had a hard time to tell them my feelings and thoughts. Ok, enough blabbing, what can I do to get out of these depressed states without taking pills?
Posted 10/13/2008 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
Well it can help if you can find some time for yourself to do things you enjoy. It doesn't necessarily have to be anything big. For instance there are one or two shows that I really look forward to watching on tv every week. For the short time I'm watching those shows I get some enjoyment and can escape from my troubles.

You could also try to work out your problems with therapy. There are various kinds of therapy. Besides the regular talking therapy, there's art therapy, music therapy, hypnosis, and biofeedback. I really wish I could try to biofeedback because it's something I think might actually help me but I can't get the insurance to cover it.

BTW you're not alone with not wanting to take pills. I've been on so many medications in my life and they've usually done me more harm than good. I won't take them anymore.
Posted 10/13/2008 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
Snow,
One of the brain chemicals that helps our mood is serotonin. You can increase your levels of serotonin by walking outside around lunch time for about 15 minutes. You need to have about that much sunshine in your life every day to notice a change in mood. Try it for a few weeks and see if it helps you feel better. You could eat lunch and then walk away from your workplace for 7 minutes, turn around and walk back. The walking will help your mood as well.

Hope this helps.
Posted 10/13/2008 4:30 AM (GMT 0)
I don't like taking pills either. I've had the same effects as Kythe - all I've gotten were terrible side effects. Especially from Geodon. I hated that stuff. Works really well for some people though, but I guess it wasn't for me.

Listening to music is a great form of therapy. I listen to it all the time. Upbeat, fun music that puts you in a good mood. Like power songs. And then some mellow songs for when I'm about to go to bed. I also have a nature sounds on my alarm clock that has sounds such as the rain, a waterfall, thunder, the ocean, etc. That helps me fall asleep peacefully.

Counselors really do help though. They'll listen to you vent about anything. You can pour your heart out to them and know that it's all confidential. Same with your family and close friends. Right now it's all about surrounding yourself with people that make you happy. To stay away from negative influences. Find a great support group. Healing Well is an awesome support group - I've felt a lot better since joining here. Like I'm not alone anymore. That people finally understand.

Just know that it is possible to become happy again. It's hard work, but it's going to be worth it. You just have to truly want it and pursue it.
Posted 10/13/2008 12:01 PM (GMT 0)
Heej Snow,

Welcome to HW :)
I agree with you on the meds, don't want them either. I can tell you how I got out of my depression without the use of meds. My door to happiness was in ancient Eastern Wisdom. The main ideas of the Buddha, the road to enlightenment etc. showed me how to live a life of happiness, instead of sadness. Of course, I am not there yet, but everything is going the right way. I, however, don't know of the thought of completely change the way you think is what you want.

If not, I agree with MoreAmor. Music is a very powerful tool to alter your mood. Upbeat and happy music can make you feel better, just as sad music can make you feel, well, sad. Also going out can help. Taking a walk in sunshine, rain, snow, etc. can do so much good. Writing down and sharing your thoughts is another great way to explore them and eventually get rid of the bad ones.

There are many ways to get rid of the sadness, so try to pick some that suits you. If I can be of any help, let me know!

All the best Snow!
Erik
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