New to Depression

Hello!

I'm currently a college student and I've just discovered that I have depression.   I'd rather not take medications for this and I really want to solve this naturally.  Even worse, my doctor feels that I shouldn't exercise due to other health issues.  Is there anything else I could do besides eating healthy, and making a schedule? Thanks so much guys, I really appreciate it!

-Heather

Heather,

It sounds like you're already taking some healthy steps; making a schedule and eating well are good ideas :)

I also think Karen has good advice. Living in the moment helps sometimes with the dwelling.

Colleges usually have counselors you can see, and I think it's worth checking out what your school offers. Talking to a neutral party can be really helpful. You said you 'found out' that you had depression. Are you already talking to a counselor?

Not everyone likes to, but I also found that writing helps. Just getting everything out on paper helped me. Just a thought.

Are you in any clubs at school? What do you like to do in your free time? Maybe focusing on the things that are going well in your life will help? Sorry for all the questions - just thinking out loud here.

I was diagnosed with depression in college too and school activities made it a little more bearable. I was in the school play, and between learning lines and rehearsing, I had less time to dwell on things and be depressed. Again, talking to a counselor really helped, too. I think I'm repeating myself. Sorry.

Posting here is a good step, too. People here are really nice and helpful.

I'm with Karen: Take care of you. Realizing you're depressed is a big thing, so I hope you're being nice to yourself. :)

-Trish

So far I am not talking to anyone only because I sort of just admitted it and am accepting that I have depression. I am, however involved in clubs on campus and I try to stay busy. I noticed that some of my favorite hobbies are things that just don't feel like doing anymore as well.

Also, I started loosing weight and don't feel like eating.

All these suggestions are really helpful! I'm trying really hard to live in the moment too :) some days, however, are harder than others, but it's really nice to have people on here who understand and have gone through the same thing. I'm going to talk to someone as well, thanks for the advice everyone!

-Heather

Hi Heather,

you sound like you are doing a lot of positive activities to help yourself. If you are not travelling to bad write down your goals and look at achieving them. This is what i did when my depression was severe, I also did exercise. Once I achieved some of my goals I did feel better. It is a bit hard if you dont know what is bothering you, some people have fears about employment, money, housing, relationships or others. If you have a good friend you could start by talking to them about your depression.