Help with depression.

[Static Universe]

Originally posted by Frankychan
hmmm, well...I do spend time with my friends but I don't know...it's like somethings bothering me and I just can't place it.

I've had this feeling my whole life. Trust me, if your friends want to do something, just do it. Once you're out with them, you'll forget all about what's bothering you, which usually isn't worth all the worry in the first place.

Don't get in the habit of not doing stuff, as it gets easier and easier to just stay in by yourself, brooding over your problems.

It may not be the easiest road to take sometimes, but it certainly better than nothing.

[red_jon]

I've known a few people IRL who have suffered from severe depression, yet I still don't really have an answer for how to help it.

I guess try and focus on short-term things that you're looking forward to.

[Asher]

Originally posted by Lazarus and the Gimp
AKA "Seasonally Affective Depressive Syndrome".

SADS stands for something else more commonly where I'm from...a fatal syndrome in fact.

[Zkribbler]

Many years ago, I suffered from prolonged bouts of depression, sometimes lasting up to a month.

I found the best way to snap out of it (at least in the short run) was physical activity--a mile walk usually did it. Sitting around thinking of your depression only deepens it.

[Jac de Molay]

Same here. I pretty much drank for five years straight to deal with my depression.

If I don't exercise every single day, my mind bogs down and I feel those bad moods come right back. Eating healthy, ample sleep, and meditation I've also found pretty helpful.

[Thorn]

Go dellusional, it seems to have fixed my depression for the time being... I'm too focused on being the evil incarnate to have time to deal with the major kill-yourself depression that I have been suffering from for what is it now 3 years.....

It's only a matter of time before mine comes back in full swing..... I know this.... already I'm getting quite apathetic about school... sleeping for weeks on end..... and I'm dreading the isolation of the summer.....

My depression went a way in one day, something snapped or something in my mind I haven't a freaking clue how it happened.... made no rational sense, I still should be depressed its not logical that I'm not.

Wait it out I guess.... I know it sucks, but it will get better eventually.... how long it stays better is anybody's guess.... some people get over it indefinately... some never... it just depends.

Good luck.

[kring]

Originally posted by Asher

SADS stands for something else more commonly where I'm from...a fatal syndrome in fact.

Are you sure it's called SADS, and not SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)?

SAD/SADS (Seasonal Affective Disorder/Seasonal Affective Disorder Syndrome) typically is a result of a lower amount of sunlight.

http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/27.cfm

Seasonal Affective Disorder
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Some people suffer from symptoms of depression during the winter months, with symptoms subsiding during the spring and summer months. This may be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a mood disorder associated with depression episodes and related to seasonal variations of light.

SAD was first noted before 1845, but was not officially named until the early 1980’s. As sunlight has affected the seasonal activities of animals (i.e., reproductive cycles and hibernation), SAD may be an effect of this seasonal light variation in humans. As seasons change, there is a shift in our “biological internal clocks” or circadian rhythm, due partly to these changes in sunlight patterns. This can cause our biological clocks to be out of “step” with our daily schedules. The most difficult months for SAD sufferers are January and February, and younger persons and women are at higher risk.
Symptoms Include:

regularly occurring symptoms of depression (excessive eating and sleeping, weight gain) during the fall or winter months.
full remission from depression occur in the spring and summer months.
symptoms have occurred in the past two years, with no nonseasonal depression episodes.
seasonal episodes substantially outnumber nonseasonal depression episodes.
a craving for sugary and/or starchy foods.
Possible Cause of this Disorder
Melatonin, a sleep-related hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain, has been linked to SAD. This hormone, which may cause symptoms of depression, is produced at increased levels in the dark. Therefore, when the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases.

Treatments
Phototherapy or bright light therapy has been shown to suppress the brain’s secretion of melatonin. Although, there have been no research findings to definitely link this therapy with an antidepressant effect, many people respond to this treatment. The device most often used today is a bank of white fluorescent lights on a metal reflector and shield with a plastic screen. For mild symptoms, spending time outdoors during the day or arranging homes and workplaces to receive more sunlight may be helpful. One study found that an hour’s walk in winter sunlight was as effective as two and a half hours under bright artificial light.

If phototherapy doesn’t work, an antidepressant drug may prove effective in reducing or eliminating SAD symptoms, but there may be unwanted side effects to consider. Discuss your symptoms thoroughly with your family doctor and/or mental health professional.

[Asher]

Originally posted by kring

Are you sure it's called SADS, and not SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)?

SAD/SADS typically is a result of a lower amount of sunlight.

No, SADS: Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes

[Q Classic]

Frank:

i'm fighting it off myself. the best way i've found how to do it without medication or much counseling is to get one of your friends to kick your ass out of bed every morning, and drag it to class.

it didn't work today, unfortunately, which resulted in me staying in bed from 7, when i woke up, to 11.30.

don't think too much outside of a regular routine.

hope yours ends soon.

[Frankychan]

thanks guys. You guys are giving me some good tips. I'll try the meditation and exercise (i thought i was doing enough )

I'll give you guys a heads up on my condition.