zombie2012

ive become really depressed lately for no reason. How would one deal with this without meds or therapy? thanx

Skepticologist

Why would you want to exclude "meds or therapy" when dealing with depression? I've been through four bouts of severe depression since 1982. The most recent, thankfully, was 10 years ago. In all four cases, it was the intervention of medical professionals that, I'm convinced, prevented me from committing suicide.

The very fact that you can't identify a reason for your depression suggests that you could benefit from therapy, which could help you to identify the underlying cause. At the same time, you need to realize that depression is the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. I'm still not sure how brain chemistry and external events work together to produce a depressive state, but I'm convinced they do. Based on my experience, without the meds I'd never have been able to think clearly enough to benefit from the therapy.

Although my last episode of severe depression was a decade ago, I still see my psychiatrist once a year and continue to take the meds. Sometimes, I think that I should be able to cope without them, but all I have to do is remember how deep I was in the well to put those thoughts out of my mind.

My best advice to you is to take advantage of all the strides that have been made in psychiatric medicine.

__________________
"I am an agnostic; I do not pretend to know what many ignorant men are sure of."

Clarence Darrow

zombie2012

how much would all this cost, i dont have alot of money?

debdodd

I don't know where you live but there are numerous health facilities that will provide care on a sliding scale rate. The easiest thing to do is call the local chapter of mental health association. You are not required to give them your name and they can direct you to free clinics or reduced fee places.

Good luck with your present situation. Many have been where you have, although it may seem that you are alone, you're not. Many have walked in your shoes and come out on the other side of depression stronger from the experience .... again, best wishes. Deb

__________________
"Ubi dubium ibi libertas."

"We are all lone souls. It pays to know humility, lest the delusion of control, of mastery, overwhelms. And indeed, we seem a species prone to that delusion, again and ever again ....."

Astreja

It's important to get a correct diagnosis, as AFAIK the meds that work for depression will aggravate the depression phase of bipolar disorder.

It's also important to clinically rule out other medical conditions that mimic the symptoms of depression, in the event that a serious physical illness exists.

Here's a link with some information that may be helpful.

bobleplask

I would suggest finding out what is the source of the problem.

When you're feeling down, what is it life that bothers you the most? Then.. Why does it bother you?

All in all, ask yourself questions until there are none.

But.. this road is long. Meds gives you a break from depression. They don't fix the problem. Therapy could be good as they might shed some light on the questions you have, but from another angle.

Keep in mind, I am no doctor

Maximus

Well, there's two forms of depression really.

Mental and Physical.

Depression has been proven to appear as a harmonal negative in the brain.

It has also been proven in many cases to be a self inflicted emotion.

It depends which of the two you have, if you have physical depression seek some treatment, like I mean medicine, if it's mental then go to some support group.

silent_enigma

You could also try calling up your county dept. of health and human services, as they may be able to help. Most antidepressant meds are in generic form now, I know generic prozac costs like $35 for a month's worth. Plus there are those assistance programs that some pharma co.'s do.

As for the original question of
You could read some books on it, or try St. John's Wort, it works for some people. Go to a forum specifically about depression and ask about what worked for other people. You'll find a lot of helpful people out there.

xxkayxx

You should take advantage of even being ABLE to see a professional and or get meds. My mom doesnt seem to believe in either, so ive always had to rely on my self for supprt, as well as friends in the past. Thankfully, ive gotten better Iknow most drugs arent all thyre cracked up to be , since my older brother went 4 yrs to college in order to be a pharmacist, but i do think they help some from my experiences ^^

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Bjarki Dalsgarð

I'll suggest lots of sex, I know it might sound silly but it works, atleast holding the depression at bay, probably not a "cure" as such but still.

Being with people who show their love for you, nice weather, as few bad news as possible (so turn of the tv and computer and head out into nature)

Other than that the advices the others have come with.

Good old bloody determination that you'll see it through should help, but might be hard to get hold of in the middle of a depression.

Cheers

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The bitternes of life may consume you, otherwise it teaches you how to live for real.