I have battled depression for years and refuse to take medication. I'm not saying that's the best route to go, and I'm certainly not diagnosing you, but I have found out quite a bit through trial and error.
For me, I respond well to routine, so I discovered that forcing myself to go through the motions, even when I didn't feel like it, pulled me out of depression faster than anything else.
I found specific things in my life that I knew were healthy for me, and I just went ahead and did those things, even when I didn't want to because I knew it would help. Things for me were, as examples:
eating healthy (and enough, as [often] I had little desire to eat)
exercise
church
spending time with my kids
And even though I didn't necessarily want to do those things going in, I never regretted doing any of them afterwards. So I learned to always do things that I knew I wouldn't regret, and to not cop out on myself by skipping those actions because I knew I would regret not doing them later on (it has a way of continuing the downward spiral, and you need to generate upward momentum).
So my advice is: Have no regrets. Don't feed the depression monster. Fake it 'til you make it.
I know how you feel and it sux. All the best.
-PM
I'm sorry but this is downright dangerous to suggest this. First if all, you aren't qualified to diagnos anyone let alone perscribe any treatment. Depression drugs have literally saved millions of lives. Yes there are bad reactions and side effects as with any drugs, but that is no reaon to suggest somone should talk with someone about them. In fact, it could be lethal. Most depression drugs work best with therapy. Or therapy alone can be effective
The brain chemistry involved in diagnosed depression is such that Faking it isn't realistic. It just doesn't work like that.
I'm happy you seemed cured yourself, but I'd leave everything else to experts.
Sucker. If you are feeling a little better now is the time to act on getting checked out. Many times people go thru the cycle of depression don't act when they are feeling better and have no way to cope if/when they sink. I wish you the best.
Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. --Jean Jacques Rousseau.
