Tips for depression?

[IamGinger]

My depression has been an ongoing problem for a year now. When it first started, I missed alot of school due to panic attacks and mental breakdowns. I started seeing a counselor (whom I am currently seeing) and got prescribed pills for my anxiety, depression, and panic problems. Unfortunately the pills I was on no longer work and for the past 5 months me and my doctor have been frantically searching for the right combination of pills to help me again. I had/have slight suicidal thoughts and my depression gets so bad at times I don't see a reason to get out of bed at all. Although I am sure many have it worse, I am wondering if anyone out there has any suggestions as to what to do when I'm am in the deep blue sea of depression. Or stuff you guys do when depressed to help feel better.

Anything helps, thanks.

[Stryker125]

You're already seeing a counselor and on medication, so you're already on the right track.

What helps me sometimes is to ask myself if I can just make it to the end of the day. Sometimes the answer's no, and I don't think I can do it. So then I just say I'll make it to lunch. Or I'll make it through the next hour. Sometimes, I just ask if I can get through this moment. Before you know it, the moment's over and I'm still here. So then I try to make it another five minutes, etc.

It also helps to find a good escape or vent. Video games, music, and comics have always been there for me. Sometimes it's good to forget about your problems and watch other people deal with theirs every now and then. Writing also helps a bit. And spending time with my friends. Really anything that takes my mind off of it. Because once I start thinking about it it gets worse and I can't stop and all of a sudden I'm having breakdowns and that's a bad place to be.

I guess all I'm trying to say is, find something fun to do, and take it one day at a time. Don't be so afraid of waking up every day. It's only life.

Good luck, I hope I helped at least a little. And you can always message me if you ever need someone to talk to.

[Lost in the Echo]

You just have to stay strong. Like Justin said ^ you're on the right track.
Anytime you feel depressed or suicidal, talk to your counselor. Be willing to accept any help anybody gives you. Try to have a positive attitude.
That's basically what I did when I suffered from depression.

Basically, just don't yourself get depressed over shit. Keep a positive attitude, and be optimistic. Eventually, things in your life will start to get better.
Continue seeing your counselor, and contunue working with your counselor, to find some medication that will be beneficial in helping you with your depression.
It WILL get better. :)

[Mortal Coil]

Depression is an illness, just like any other. If you had the flu, you would take some time off until you were ready to go back and be productive in school. It's okay to need some time to gather your strength. Don't abuse it, but I've had times when I was too depressed to function and had to check myself into the psych ward to be able to continue. It's far from a long term fix but when things get awful it does help.

[Fiction]

When I was at my worst I always used to tell myself things to get myself through it. I used to tell myself that what I was going through was making me stronger, and it was making me a better person. That got me through a lot of my worst.

I also kept a diary and still do. Whenever i'm feeling particularly emotional about something, I write in there. It helps distract me and is especially useful for suicidal thoughts and urges.

Although really the one thing that has really helped me improve long-term is keeping busy, and keeping something to look forward to at all times. Whether it's just going out with your friends or something bigger, it really doesn't matter.

Like others have said, when you feel down, have a rest. I took loads of time of school over the years due to just not feeling like I can get out of bed. Just try not to make a habit of it, withdrawing socially will not help, it will only make things worse.

[ReginaGeorge]

Make sure you're getting enough sleep at night, or else your moods will be extra bad. You should be getting between 8 - 9 hours a night. Getting into a good routine can help.

Eat a nice diet as well. Eating junk food after junk food after junk food can make you sluggish, and tired and cranky since your body's not getting what it needs to function properly.

This is probably the last thing you want to hear, but exercise helps. It releases chemicals that make you feel better. It's also a distraction, a healthy one at that, which can help regardless of the chemicals, which are a bonus, not to mention physical fitness.

[InfamousPanda]

You might want to try switching meds, cuz cetain meds might work good for one person, but not the next. Thats why there are multiple meds to try. Talk to your doctor/counsler about it

[IamGinger]

You just have to stay strong. Like Justin said ^ you're on the right track.
Anytime you feel depressed or suicidal, talk to your counselor. Be willing to accept any help anybody gives you. Try to have a positive attitude.
That's basically what I did when I suffered from depression.

Basically, just don't yourself get depressed over shit. Keep a positive attitude, and be optimistic. Eventually, things in your life will start to get better.
Continue seeing your counselor, and contunue working with your counselor, to find some medication that will be beneficial in helping you with your depression.
It WILL get better. :)
Thank you all. You've been a great help and I really appreciate you taking your time to help me. I have read every reply here and I will certainly try some of the tips/suggestions you have provided. Thanks again and know that all of you have helped me. :)

[unusedaccount]

My depression has been an ongoing problem for a year now. When it first started, I missed alot of school due to panic attacks and mental breakdowns. I started seeing a counselor (whom I am currently seeing) and got prescribed pills for my anxiety, depression, and panic problems. Unfortunately the pills I was on no longer work and for the past 5 months me and my doctor have been frantically searching for the right combination of pills to help me again. I had/have slight suicidal thoughts and my depression gets so bad at times I don't see a reason to get out of bed at all. Although I am sure many have it worse, I am wondering if anyone out there has any suggestions as to what to do when I'm am in the deep blue sea of depression. Or stuff you guys do when depressed to help feel better.

Anything helps, thanks.

This is all I'll say... Pills don't solve the problem, or make the pain go away, they simply numb it. Find the root of the issue/issues that are affecting you, and get help, from a school counselor, a shrink, or a trusted friend.

[happinessisoverrated]

I'm going through almost the exact same thing, so if you ever need to talk to someone about it, I'm here.
I took the semester off of school to work on getting mentally healthy, and today my doctor switched my medication because it wasn't working for me. Maybe you just need a break from all the social and academic pressure, or a new antidepressant. Also, finding people you can talk to and trust can help a lot. Develop a support system of people that will be there for you when you need them. Find things that motivate you- reasons to get up in the morning. Things worth living for. Take walks, absorb the beauty of the things around you. Take nothing for granted. Write down your feelings, document your moods, your thoughts. Listen to music that cheers you up, nothing dark or depressing or angry. Personally, the Beatles lift my mood a bit when I'm really down.
Know that you're not alone in this, and that you WILL find ways to deal with this illness. You WILL get through this, I promise.

Hope this helps.
Best of luck! xx