I have posted before about this and my apologies if this is a little bit of a broken record. But, I have made significant headway with depression using the following techniques (for lack of a better word):
1) Going to therapy every other week
2) Taking a B50 Vitamin tablet and extra B12 as well
3) Regular exercise. Started off very slowly. As soon as I could, I got to 30 minutes of walking, four times a week. For at least two of those times, I exercised outside in the cool morning sun. This is because sunlight can sometimes help with depression. This ( 4 times a week, 30 mins a time, with 2 walks outside) is what my Dr. says is really ideal and would actually be a fine place to stay at if needed. I stayed there for a long time. Now, I am doing more!
4) I got on a weight loss program. For me it is Weight Watchers, but I'm sure there are other good ones. I try my best to eat mostly healthy foods. I treat myself several days a week to a 100 calorie chocolate treat. I don't keep super tempting items in the house.
5) I buy myself flowers almost every week.
6) I read uplifting literature and listen to uplifting music several times a week.
7) At one point for a brief period of time, I used an antidepressant. I would not hestitate to do that again if needed. However, I have found these other things I have incorporated into my life have made a huge dent with this problem.
8) If I wasn't feeling well or had unusual and unexpected stress, I would make an extra appointment with my therapist, get a massage or a pedicure. Sometimes...all three. I found that stress would set off my depression. A little pampering would dampen things down...
If you are not taking the Prozac and feel that it was helpful for you, I would consider taking it again. If it caused side effects for you, I would talk with the Dr. about trying another one. Can you get into some talk therapy? You can start off with a few regular visits, and then cut it back to every other week, then go to once a month. In fact, I sometimes wonder if this is the best way to do it so you don't over rely on the therapist. You can always make an extra appointment if something major comes up.
I think eating healthy, losing weight and getting in good nutrition is very helpful in fighting depression. Same with exercise.
IMHO, we've got to use everything in our arsenal...
Hang in there...wishing you well.
Last edited by Fun Size; 10-30-2007 at 08:52 PM.
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