anyone else get really depressed...what do you do about it?

I have more mania than depression, but my father is a real bad manic depressive. He gets really low sometimes and I try to help him, but really you have to start by helping yourself. Think of all the positive things in your life. What makes you happy. Spend your day telling yourself there is much to exist for, but you have to find those things that have or do make you happy. Depression is tough, but you can get out of oit, you just have to realize your self worth. You are very valiable, ask those who care about you, you'll see. Always live in the moment, not past mistakes, those usually cause depression. Be Well, Fly

justme,

I notice that you are from Wisconsin...so am I. :)

Fly gave you some excellent advice. Like her, I'm also more manic than depressive, so depression normally isn't a problem for me.

However, I was diagnosed with major depression in my 20's and looking back at that time, I can remember feeling extremely sad and empty. Some of the things that got me through the most difficult periods were listening to my favorite music, reading a good book, spending time with friends or if I didn't have enough energy to do that, talking to them on the phone.

If you enjoy writing, you might also consider starting a journal. Writing is one of my hobbies and getting my feelings down on paper did alot to ease my depression and help me feel as if a tremendous weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

Here's a suggestion a friend shared with me: Every day write a list of 3 positive things that have happened to you. It can be anything -- even something as simple as enjoying a favorite meal. Before you know it, this will become a habit and your list will expand from 3 items to 6 or more. My friend gave me this advice several years ago and I still follow it to this day.

I hope these suggestions help.

In the meantime, hang in there! :)

neon_dreamer

I think depression is complicated, at least in my case, because it's not the negative thoughts alone that have to be overcome. I have waves where I get intense headaches that seem to drain virtually all of the energy from my body. My throat and chest also tighten up. This is also when the psychosis gets worse. I have noticed that this often occurs without a noticeable precipitator.
I've tried cognitive therapy and replacing negative thoughts, but when depression manifests itself in a somatic manner, it is very difficult to suppress.

As I have gotten older I am def way more manic then depressive thankfully. As a preteen and teen that was not the case. For me uplifting music something with a pretty dancable beat to it was great to listen to I like the Beach Boys for that or Katrina and the Waves type stuff. lol I would stay away from the heavy metal or rap music though for some that just makes it worse. I know I had no energy to do anything but sleep it seemed like. I was on ad's then but they amounted to sugar pills for whatever reason. I also use to ride my bike a lot and write, write, write. Letting out the thoughts helped to keep them from swallowing me whole. Are there any pain management things you can do? I know they have people who specialize in this area though I don't know much about it myself. Other then getting a migraine and with that kind of pain getting into the closet and out of any light or sound is all I can muster. The others have given you some real good advice. Another thing is to come back and not only post but read and support others. For some reason at least now when I am depressed I do feel better when I can offer words of encouragement or even hug to someone who is having a rough time.

Deb

Deb's post reminded me of something else you could try.

Like Deb, when I was diagnosed with major depression I slept most of the time and barely had the energy to do anything. I found it helpful to make small goals from day to day.

For example, on Monday I would get out of bed by X:XX a.m. On Tuesday I would make lunch or dinner (since most of the time I didn't have the energy to eat or cook) On Wednesday I would take a short 10-15 minute walk. On Thursday I would perform one house chore. On Friday I would make a phone call to a friend, etc. etc.

Once I was able to attain small goals, I moved onto intermediate and finally long-term.

neon_dreamer

what do you do when you feel like you can't go on and suicide is not an option?