Hello again. I'm in the midst of a pretty bad down period, and I'm looking for some help. I haven't had to deal with this on my own for a while, and the long and short of it is that I have no reliable source of medical attention.

So, any tips on keeping my spirit up? I could really use some help with this.

Do you exercise? That always is a good one for me. Gets me out of bed and gives me something to do. Plus it is supposed to help with mood.

Otherwise, just be really gentle with yourself. Take extra good care of yourself. Make sure you are getting enough rest. Although I know that when I am down I get TOO much rest! I sleep all the time.

I hope that you start feeling better soon. Also, I would really recommend telling your pdoc about this. I know you said you don't have a reliable medical source. What do you mean by that? Do you have a pdoc? Meds are a lifesaver for me. I hope you can get the medical attention that you need.

Hi,

Do you take Omega 3's? They can help with depression sometimes.

Sometimes it helps me to remain conscious that I am in a depression and that I just have to tough it through until it lifts. But I've found that meds are essential in it lifting, too, like Llama.

Why can't you get medical help? Do you have a regular doctor who could at least start you on something?

Otherwise, if you've someone you can talk to and trust, maybe give that a try. I think Llama's suggestion about the exercise is good, too, as is eating well and getting rest. Keep yourself busy if you can, with whatever you can do, even if it's just cleaning or watching videos or TV, something you're interested in.

Keep posting. I hope you can get some professional help. And certainly everyone here will be here to listen and try to help.

Seaturtle

Things that help me get through down periods:

-going to movies (much more distracting than TV)
-reading
-reminding myself "this too shall pass"
-talking to my best friend
-talking to myself as I would my best friend if she were seriously ill
-going for walks
-making an extra effort to eat right, take vitamins, take Omega 3 oil
-sleeping more
-if you are not on meds, you might try St John's Wort

Take care of yourself!
F&D

Hi KateMonster,

Of all the years I have struggled, I too found myself wondering what in the world I could do to bring myself up. The best thing for me has been confiding in someone I trust so I have an outlet to talk. Thankfully, I have the most wonderful and understanding husband in the entire universe. He can sense when I am at my worst and gives me ample opportunity to talk about it. If you have a close friend or family member that can listen, perhaps that can help. Of course, that is only if you feel comfortable telling someone about your feelings and struggles.

I have also found (in the short amount of time I have been here) that members here are extremely supportive and caring, even to perfect strangers! Stay connected-we will all help each other!:)

~J

hey kate,

My first advice is to vent your frustrations (this board is awesome for that) and distract yourself with whatever works for you. I find that music can really help me when I'm struggling with depression or mania, things that are light and cheerful can really help when I'm feeling down.

Also, my doctor told me not to do this, and it's all in my head that it helps, but I go to a tanning bed, even though I know it's not great for my skin...you put those headphones on, and go into a whole other world for a while, sometimes it's like a re-boot for me, especially in the winter when I'm not getting as much sun. Also, I like to color my hair and buy a new outfit, and shopping is one of my favorite things, just watch out that you don't go overboard....spending too much has been a trap I've fallen into a few times when I was trying to cheer myself up (typical manic behavior).

My very best advice is to up your meds when you need to, Prozac is a life saver for me, I'm not sure I would still be here without it...there was a time in my life where I could'nt afford medical care and st. johns wart did help, just remember to use a backup method of birth control, since it changes the effects of the pill...my neighbor was on the pill and got prego taking st. johns wart, I hear it's pretty common.

good luck and take care, this episode will pass...hang in there:)

~~lily

comfort your self, like drink hot chocolate, or your favorite show on tv., rent a video of your favorite place to travel to., go to your favorite restaurant.

self talk: I am a person who deserves to feel better and do my favorite things.......