about Depression

[dgirl1986]

Re: about Depression

The only way I dealt with my depression and got control over it was by going to counselling sessions with a really awesome psychologist. We managed to pinpoint where a lot of it was coming through and worked through it. So now I only get depressed every now and then rather than being up and down or being depressed for a month at a time.

It may also help to research depression and what causes it. This helps with our understanding of why we feel the way we feel sometimes.

[anunitu]

Re: about Depression

Here is my two cents. I went through Major depression some years ago,was in the mental health system for over a year. Quite honestly what got me out of that was not the medicine or the therapy. What helped was seeing other people MUCH worse off then me,and talking with them and helping them deal with their problems. Not sure that would help everyone,but being depressed you tend to go in circles internally and make it worse. Getting your mind off yourself helps.

[Gleb]

Re: about Depression

When I am sad I just pet our cat for a long period of time, and listen to some of Enya's songs. And I give the time to do the rest of the job.

[MoonRaven]

Re: about Depression

Aikadon it's okay . I'm sorry if I came across a bit harsh but it's a bit of a thing for me like people using the word schitzophrenic in erroneous ways. It makes me pop up like a Jack-in-the-box.

About your question. When I feel sad or low I go for a walk in the woods if at all possible or go hug a tree, literally, in my garden. If it's the time of year where the ground isn't frozen I garden, I find that working with living things stabilises my mood. Or pet my cat. In fact when I am in a really, really bad state, he tends to climb up on me and head-butt me until I start petting him and he won't get off me until I feel better. In fact, if I try to get up and move away without petting him he digs his claws into my clothes and hangs on. I've once tried to walk to the kitchen with 10 lb. of cat clinging to my shirt :XD:, I had to give up halfway and sit down and pet him.

[Aikadon]

Re: about Depression

Aikadon using Bipolar if your not diagnosed is a bit disrespectful to those who actually have it

I apologize for reckless use of the term, It was never my intention to insult or be disrespectful to anyone, and I didn't intend to claim that I had self-diagnosed myself, as I understand how lacking my competence is on the subject. I do not claim to be diagnosable with bipolarity, and by using the term I rather hoped to explain my subjective experience, rather than the definable diagnosis, which I realize was stupid, and again, I'm sorry.

As for the rest of this thread, I really appreciate all the support people have been coming with and all the good advice. I do take mental health seriously, and I will make sure to deal with my depression- and anxiety problems in a professional way, but besides that, I would still like some advice on what people do, spiritually, to get rid of sadness and depressive feelings. I know that this is possible, because I have found ways, like meditating on the Tarot, or praying. I apologize if I made it sound as if though I was asking for medical advice, or sought to be healed through my religion, as that was, again, not the intention of this rather clumsy starting post.

Again, thank you all, and I'm sorry for whatever hard feelings there may be.

[Medusa]

Re: about Depression

I mean... I think I know what Triggers me now days, like when I just go from reasonably happy to angry and depressed for seemingly no reason. Only, It's those days when you just wake up, and there isn't really something triggering it, it's just... There, you know?

But yeah, I'll meditate on it. Maybe meditating on a Tarot spread would help.

Most people with depression and or bi polar think they are just 'moody'. And that's just the way they are with no further explanation. If you are having emotions that are 'without explanation or reason' that's a chemical misfire in your brain. All the meditation in the world will not correct that. You need to see a doctor to see if you have a medical condition. After that you can then form a plan as how to handle your depression.

[MoonRaven]

Re: about Depression

Aikadon using Bipolar if your not diagnosed is a bit disrespectful to those who actually have it, sort of calling yourself a cancer survivor even though you've never had cancer. Also violent moodswings can be symptoms of a great many things from mineral deficiency to Schitzophrenia, plus it is possible to be perfectly "normal" and still have very violent moodswings.
Finally from what you describe it sounds more like depression since I see no mentions of mania, though you may just have left those bits out.

So all in all I'll second what have been said before. See a professional. Self-diagnosis is a really bad thing, particularly if you are dealing with something a serious as Bipolar Disorder.

[Willow]

Re: about Depression

I agree with Corbin, your first step should be to seek professional medical advice. They can screen you, give you a proper diagnosis, and from there get you the insights and techniques that can help you nip those low bouts.

Beyond that, give yourself the time to accept the validity of your feelings. Then at some point call a stop to it and do something to distract yourself for as long as you need to (movies, music, video games, hobbies, friends, etc...). But definitely meet with a professional first, they'll be able to give you good tools to help you out.

[B. de Corbin]

Re: about Depression

Don't put it off - the sooner you deal with it, the sooner you'll feel better.

See a doctor first - a GP, or MHP. See what he/she/they can tell you & offer you.

Then start up the meditation. You never go wrong with some form of mental hygiene.

[Hoho]

Re: about Depression

My advice, talk to a doctor. It helps me.

[Aikadon]

Re: about Depression

I mean... I think I know what Triggers me now days, like when I just go from reasonably happy to angry and depressed for seemingly no reason. Only, It's those days when you just wake up, and there isn't really something triggering it, it's just... There, you know?

But yeah, I'll meditate on it. Maybe meditating on a Tarot spread would help.

[Aeran]

Re: about Depression

Meditation, especially in a form that will allow you to dig up and process psychological issues buried in your subconscious.

You'd want to be careful though, with Bipolar you could easily trigger an episode, especially without the guidance of a teacher.

[Aikadon]

I... suffer from bipolarity. I haven't been diagnosed, so perhaps i shouldn't use the term, but mmy mood tend to be instable.
I want to be happy, and i'm really trying, but good lord it's difficult. I'd appreciate it if you guys could share some of your spiritual practices on how to deal with depressive feelings, or just getting out of the blue in general. Spells, rituals, prayer, etc.

Thanks, and blessed be.