Symptoms persisting greater than 12 years

[Provost Harrison]

The problem with that is depression is like an ******* moderator who sends you creepy private messages and can't be put on your ignore list.

Yeah, I am no stranger to this, and I am certainly no stranger to having that "inner sh*t moderator" who constantly tells you you are not good enough. I've had several stretches of depression in my life and it is damn tough and hard to get out of. I tend to be alright nowadays because I am quite well in control of my life (getting out of the sciences was the best move I ever made without hesitation) so now I have a good career and I am in pretty good shape (although I am trying to undo all the damage those Brazilian churruscarias did ). But there is one persistent problem that has bugged me for all of my life which does have the ability to drag me down. It's tough because if I ignore it then it makes things easier for a bit, but if I work on it then I suffer the full blow of that problem. So I just get on with the rest of my life, but I have managed to keep depression at bay for nearly 3 years now. My job has been pretty eventful in the past time with lots of international travel, so that has kept me from dwelling on anything.

[Provost Harrison]

What really cured me of my depression was getting a girlfriend... The Zoloft did help in the process, though.

Yeah, I have managed to gain control over every other aspect of my life I would say except for this one, and this particular problem still has the ability to drag me down. It is easier to control the frustration this problem brings me when the other stuff in my life is going well.

Well in fact I am just in the process of being made redundant from my current job, but I seem to be popular with other employers at the moment so I don't get any peace from potential jobs...so that is fine, I don't think it is going to be an issue in the slightest.

[Elok]

Hopefully under the supervision of someone?

(Forgive me Father, for I have sinned)

For most of the time he's had the problem, he's been a little old for pedo tastes.

[BlackCat]

Berzerker's suggestion about excercise through walking is actually good. Just be sure to find someone to do it with - depression are really good at finding excuses for not doing things.

Other possibilities could be badminton or dancing, both not harder than you want to make it, but with a partner that can keep you going.

[Provost Harrison]

I always find that walking actually gives me time to think so I normally go for something else. Although I do enjoy a walk from time to time...

[rah]

I concur with the volunteer suggestion. Doing good for others is never a downer. It also keep you busy so you don't think about your depression as much.
I never suffered extended depression so it's hard for me to many other suggestions but I always got a lift from helping people and spending time with them.
That, and maybe more sex. It's hard to stay depressed in the arms of a loving woman.

[Lorizael]

It also keep you busy so you don't think about your depression as much.

[Provost Harrison]

As I said, I am used to having a job that keeps my mind of the things that piss me off...this is the problem for me at the moment is that I have no work to do (although I am still being paid but I will be made redundant very soon) so I tend to think more. I hate that, very dangerous. I think it is important to have something to do that keeps your mind off things.

[rah]

I did infer that it's tough for people that haven't had the problem to totally understand, but I do know that I never felt any bad feelings when building houses for the homeless. Or tutoring a disadvantaged teen.

[Imran Siddiqui]

I literally want to know everything.

Not trying to be a wiseass, but considering this isn't possible, perhaps that may be contributing to your depression? Maybe you need to try to let go of that desire.

God be with you in trying to rid yourself of depression.

[MOBIUS]

Geez, what is this!? The moment you god-botherers sense a hint of weakness - you're in for the kill like a bunch of bible-bashing piranhas...

[Provost Harrison]

I have to echo MOBIUS in his sentiments, it is very opportunist and, quite frankly, a bit predatory to take advantage of someone like this in a time of weakness.

[Elok]

Lorizael is expressing no interest. If this is predatory, they're very poor predators.

[MOBIUS]

You're right. It's just the arrogantly clumsy nature of their inferred suggestions that the reason Lori is depressed is that he hasn't round religion yet.

[Aeson]

Suggesting religion is perfectly reasonable, as it's helped many people in these types of situations. Most of the suggestions here are very similar in that regard.