What do you do to help curb depression and anxiety? And other thoughts I have.

[MEDDL3r]

I have been dealing with depression and anxiety for 10+ years. I deal with hating my self, low self image, no motivation and bad social anxiety. I am on a medication regimen but it isn't helping as much as it used to. I'm curious as to what's working for you medication wise(if you want to share)and other things that have helped. Thx for sharing in advance. I'm here if anyone wants to talk.

[Michen_S]

Most of us are not professionals here, and I never dealt with this. The best piece of advice I can give is that it probably can't hurt to mention your problems to your doctor (and maybe your psychotherapist if you have one). They should have a better idea of what they're doing and how you can be helped than I have.

[Cheza]

I've only recently started on medications myself, but they told me to get in touch with them if it wasn't working or the effectiveness of it changed since the dosage or type might need to be adjusted.
I'd recommend you talk to whoever prescribed you the things and see what they have to say, if you haven't already.

[MEDDL3r]

I've talked to my doc and am working toward a solution. I'm just curious to see what has worked for others. I'm not a dr., but I would like to hear what has worked for you.

[CookieSkunk]

I've had chronic depression since I was in 3rd grade - apx 20 years. Couch that with low self esteem and Asperger's/autism, and I'm a big ball of mental mess.  Needless to say I've had to learn to cope with the whole lot of it.

Firstly, avoid 'toxic' people - people who always tend to bring you down by making you feel like crap, tell you your decisions are bad, etc etc. These people are emotionally abusive, even if unintentionally. They are hurting you and hurting your ability to heal. It doesn't matter if they are your family or friends. They don't need to be in your life.

Secondly, find something that you enjoy doing. I, personally, enjoy colouring. I tend towards mandalas, as they let me zone out. It doesn't necessarily have to be something that you're good at, just something you enjoy, that is healthy. It will release natural (not drug/medication) induced dopomine and seritonine.

Lastly, don't forget to get sunlight and spend time with your friends. I know how much the urge to stay cooped in your room is when you're depressed. It's hard to be around friends when you're depressed - especially if they don't understand what it's like. You have to force yourself to not act depressed for their sake, which is tiring, but sometimes you have to force yourself out of your room. You'll find that being around friends will actually make you feel better (they ARE your friends for a reason, after all) and don't forget that the sun gives vitamins that help with depression (which is why seasonal depression exists!)

[Athlaros]

Hm. I sate my anxiety by fixing whatever is giving me anxiety. Anxious about grades? Check them online and study. Anxious about family matters? Call them immediately and talk through a solution. I cannot be anxious about an issue if I fix it. If it can't be fixed, I find something that can be and work on it. I've taken to cleaning when I'm anxious as the repetitive motion gives me calm and I love being in a room which is clean.


As for depression, I can't say I know. I go through bouts of sadness but never what I'd call depression. However, I'd recommend a nice meal if you're anything like me. Nice food does wonders for the psyche.