Any answers to depression?

[lizzmobile 11]

I always find it helpful to go outside, especially when it's sunny, but also when not, and reconnect with the earth. Spend some time in a wood or forest, walk through and just look at what is around you, not to appreciate it as such, but to just "be" there with it. Walking bearfoot on the grass is very helpful, you'd be surprised how much these simple suggestions do actually work.

 

Bach flower remedies are helpful with this type of illness, White Chestnut if it's a gloomy depression, but there is heaps of advice around about which ones to use for which ever state of mind.

 

Eating raw food can help, which means fruit and veg in their natural state (not like raw meat or uncooked pasta!), and sprouted grains are full of happy stuff. Avocados are the ultimate happy food as they contain everything we need to function properly.

 

Evidently I have no idea of our chum's diet but eliminating all processed/junk/dead food is always helpful.

 

Something incredibly simple too, is to count five different blessings in your day each night before you go to bed, and feel thankful. Simple abundance is a marvellous thing.

 

Will write again if I think of anything else. I've had help with this myself so can empathise.

[lizzmobile 11]

PS. Fluoxetine kills your libido. Amongst other things.

[Funky Dave 10]

A bit of a temporary fix is mild excercise, such as walking or rambling (I don't know the ins and outs of why, but it worked for me, although I only ever had mild depression). Invite your friend on a wander round the peak district. It'll be a change of scenery and give him the opportunity to think through his problems a bit more clearly, and perhaps open up to you a little (don't push him into a discussion though - just let him talk if he wants to).

[Funky Dave 10]

Originally posted by lizzmobile

PS. Fluoxetine kills your libido. Amongst other things.

 

Lord, I wish something'd kill mine!

[antics 10]

Get in touch with Mind, they'll be able to help and put him in touch with people who can help him further.

 

I'd say doctors are fairly useless at dealing with depression. I've been on anti-depressants for three years, and all my doctor has done is to keep throwing tablets at me.

 

They don't seem to realise that the cause needs to be treated, as well as the symptoms.

[Hels 10]

As people have already said, it depends upon the type of depression your friend has as to the best approach to take.

 

Certainly the MIND website would be a good start.

 

'Reactive' depression (related to a loss etc) can be helped with talking therapies (CBT, Counselling) and supported by medication in the short term.

 

Exercise is nearly always helpful because exercise releases those feel good chemicals in the brain, regular walking or even running if he's fit enough, may help.

 

Where the depression is due to a chemical inbalance in the brain (I think this usually begins when you are quite young, but i could be wrong) then medication is invariably needed on a long term basis and supplemented with exercise, counselling etc.

 

I think all anti-depressants have adverse side effects (yup, they kill the libido)! but these side effects have to be balanced by the positive effects of helping the depression.

 

Doctors generally do not have the time to spend with patients who have depression so will refer people to specialist services. Though I understand the services available in Sheffield are scarce and under-funded (was told this by a mental health worker). There are quite a few self-help groups around (again MIND will be able to offer advice) and these can be helpful because everyone there understands what everyone else is going through.

[redrobbo 10]

Originally posted by Phanerothyme

 

Severe depression may be treated with surgery

 

Not so. Leucotomies/lobotomies are no longer performed for depression. They were never clinically proven, and have never been performed for decades now.

[ZEDEX48K 10]

Originally posted by Funky Dave

A bit of a temporary fix is mild excercise, such as walking or rambling (I don't know the ins and outs of why, but it worked for me, although I only ever had mild depression). Invite your friend on a wander round the peak district. It'll be a change of scenery and give him the opportunity to think through his problems a bit more clearly, and perhaps open up to you a little (don't push him into a discussion though - just let him talk if he wants to).

 

Yeah excercise can help. If you want to go with a few other people that is not formal try this group:

 

http://www.sheffieldwalkinggroup.org.uk

[wendygs 10]

Neuro Linguistic Programming is excellent for helping people to change their state of mind. They should expect to pay about £20-40 per life coaching/personal coaching session. A really great trick I've recently learned is to keep a diary of 3 things (different is really great because I have found it creates a deeper awareness of how much there is to appreciate) for which I am really grateful every day and remember during the day. It is powerful.

 

I think any decent NLP coach will give a 30 minute taster session free of charge although it could be more time.

 

Encourage them to change their posture. But in all of this please be aware of the old adage you can take a horse to water but you cant make it drink. So if your friend doesnt want your help there isnt anything you can do other than be there waiting for them in warm, friendly silence.

[lizzmobile 11]

Yes, NLP is excellent, and not just for depression. It really helped me with emotional issues around my caesarian section with Felix.

 

Also, Omega 3,6,9 oils are good for anything brain related, you can get ready blended ones in lots of places (even Tesco do some). Clear Spring do a blend that you can use on salads with dressing but must not be heated as the heat denatures their properties.

 

On a more humorous note, in reply to Funky Dave, a dead libido does not make a pleasant compagnon! A long early morning run should help.

[Clik32 10]

I've always been confused about WHY people get depressed. If you're depressed you shouldn't want to 'brag' about it. A lot of people I know who are depressed seem to be proud to have to see Docs about it. I mean, we all have off or low days but I always think, well, stuff it, tomorrow's another day, I've had a cry etc but now it's time to move on.

[owdlad 10]

Originally posted by Chloe

I've always been confused about WHY people get depressed. If you're depressed you shouldn't want to 'brag' about it. A lot of people I know who are depressed seem to be proud to have to see Docs about it. I mean, we all have off or low days but I always think, well, stuff it, tomorrow's another day, I've had a cry etc but now it's time to move on.

 

Why should people who are depressed not speak of their illness ?

 

Depression is no different from any other illness, just that it affects the brain as opposed to another part of the body, it is time that any person who suffers with depression should feel able to open up to their friends that they have this problem in the same way they would if it was any other health related problems.

 

You will also find that there is a difference between an "off day" and depression, but let's hope you never have to get up in the morning and do anything other than think stuff it.