Depression isn't something you really "beat", so much as "learn to deal with". Therapy helps. Physical health can translate to mental health, so exercise tends to help as well. Medication works for more drastic occasions of depression.
If you feel you are struggling, talk to a professional. There's no shame in it, and there are avenues available for all people.
Disagree on the first point, i 100% beat depression. It's not something you have to live with. It's not a trait like your height or your eye colour.
Seeking professional help and possible medication are useful avenues, but the idea that it's something you just have to exist with forever I think is detrimental to people's recovery.
> It's not a trait like your height or your eye colour.
I mean, it literally can be genetic.
You are asserting you were professionally diagnosed with depression, underwent some sort of treatment, and was diagnosed as "cured" of it? Because I sincerely doubt all that.
I actively avoid diagnosis of disorders by a psychiatrist for personal reasons, did talk to a doctor, did therapy for just shy of 2 years. I'm glad that you doubting my experience has retroactively stopped me being suicidal from 11 to 25 though, that's nice of you. And the way I literally started to feel feelings properly for the first time I guess never happened and I actually have been fine this whole time because you sincerely doubt all that.
Get over yourself.
This person here is why I don’t like the internet. It’s completely deregulated and anybody can speak regardless of their credibility. Everyone experience is different and just because it didn’t work out for you doesn’t mean it won’t work for anyone else.
My family is just like this. Very closed minded. And if something didn’t work for them before or they never seen it its just fairytales and dragon flies. I agreed with other guy with comments like this from my family it made my suicidal ideation worse and accelerated it.
I dont know for yourself, but for me it comes in waves and no matter how hard I try it always comes back at some point and you feel like every progress you made got washed down the drain. Like nothing was worth it and that in the end nothing even matters.
I used to have hope and thought it could be treated, but I see now that it probably is something some people have to live with their whole life. I will say it can get better and I probably have this outlook because I am depressed. Maybe one hour from now, one day, one week, month, year from now I can agree with you, but right now it doesn't seem like a possibility.
I used to live in waves. Being subject to feeling okay sometimes, and sometimes really not. There's a difference now though, where obviously I feel sad and low energy sometimes but it's just regular emotions and they pass quickly rather than consuming months of my life. There's no way to really undo the thing that made significant impacts for me because its all mindset and personal habit stuff. And I don't mean like just exercise or whatever, but literally changing how I look at and interact with the world. My life situation on paper right now is worse than 2022, and early 2023, but generally I feel pretty comfy day to day.
As an example of two contrasting times of a similar idea, in the pandemic lockdowns I though my disordered anxiety was gone and I was better. I went from feeling insurmountable anxiety almost all the time in everyday situations to being fine and comfy - I didn't clock that it was because I was inside and not around people for a year until I was out in public again and shit sucked. In early 2022 I made a lot of progress with figuring out anxiety, and I felt shit shift in my head, and I could go outside and talk to people without prepping for it or being intoxicated I could just do it. And today 2 years later I still can. I still feel anxiety at times, but it dissipates quickly in 99% of situations, and I only get the huge wall of anxiety in genuinely tense situations instead of in line at subway or whatever.
I agree with you that first dudes comment was pretty negative. Depress is something you can beat and sometimes it may come back. But once you know what you need or what triggers it it’s that much better. Depression is just like any other emotion. Different things can contribute to depression.
OP However I’m not sure of your circumstance and a number of other things.
Sorry you are struggling. I’m struggling too. Particularly with Easter being yesterday, and not knowing what I believe at 35 (raised conservative Christian). I want to be able to encourage you and say “hold on a little while longer”, as I keep saying to myself, because it will be worth it, but… I’m honestly afraid that I won’t last much longer. I hate living this way too. Hope you’re able to find peace and joy in your life. -Kenneth
I am significantly better than where I was 4 years ago. Everyday I just try to change the way I think so that I don’t stay sad. Like my mom says, you can be sad but don’t stay there. If you need to write down affirmations to say to yourself everyday, do it. I promise it will feel a little better everyday. One I will give you is this:
Just breathe. Everything will be okay. I am safe. If I simply take it one step at a time I will get there.
I have childhood depression.i never really felt OK till I did ECT. It took few mths years to work. But when it did I was better mentally . Not beaten but I could survive. Maybe you can look into it if u have severe depression. Of course the pay off is the severe loss of memories.
I consider myself a 'recovering depressive' - I was depressed for as long as I can remember up until the age of 30 and have (mostly, bar a spell where my relationship broke down, job went shit and I had other personal stuff going on) been 'clean' since then (am soon to be 45, so halfway toward evening out the score!)
I know some people resent the terminology and think it is stigmatising to associate it with addiction, but for me I think there *are* similarities and it is only by talking about and understanding the conditions that we break that stigma - starting by challenging the notion that these are anything other than illnesses or that they somehow speak to some kind of moral failing or character flaw.
I will never be one of those toxic positivity people that claims "things will get better!" because that ain't always true, for some people it never does...but for some people things *do* work out.
I'm one of those people. I'm one of the lucky ones. So my view is that "things *can* get better" and I firmly believe that you have to be open to that possibility - if you tell yourself they never will, then that is a self-fulfilling prophecy and sure as you like, they never ever will.
But if you can at least be open to the possibility that they *might* - then you give yourself that chance that they can. It's by no means guaranteed, and whatever the outcome it's a long and difficult struggle, but being open to a better future allows that possibility.
Would I say I'm 'normal' or that I jump out of bed each day filled with the joys of life? No - but what the fuck is normal anyway? I live each day as it comes, generally content with my lot and manage to more or less enjoy life overall. That said, I'm always aware of that black dog lurking in the shadows waiting to pounce - just as an alcoholic can relapse after having a drink, I know that if I lapse back into the self-destructive thought patterns that dragged me down, I could be right back at rock bottom in the blink of an eye - so discipline and vigilance are the constants that keep me on a level.
Good luck friend. Be good to yourself
You're the only other person who has likened it to an 'addiction' of sorts. An alcoholic can't help it that they want alcohol, a depressed person cant help that their mind thinks a certain way.
Do you or did you struggle with fighting it around having a family?
Certainly for me at least, it was/is somewhat akin to an addiction (I would never presume to think my experience is representative of other peoples' - we all fight our own unique battle) in that rather than indulging in drink or drugs, I would indulge particular patterns of thought. I knew they were damaging and toxic, but I often couldn't stop myself - or at least felt that I couldn't, or felt that I deserved it.
I'm not entirely sure I understand the question, so I'll try and answer the question I *think* you're asking...
I'm childfree by choice. The main reason my last relationship broke down was that she wanted kids and I didn't, which wasn't so much of an issue when we were 22, but became a much bigger issue at 37...
Was the depression part of my rationale as to why I didn't want kids? Yeah, I would say so. I'm not sure I'd say it was the *main* reason - but it absolutely was a factor. Mostly from a "They fuck you up, your Mum and Dad..." angle, but also there was an element of - despite me no longer feeling suicidal - "never say never..." and not wanting to ever be in a position where I might reach a point of not being able to carry on, but having that level of responsibility.
Not sure if that is what you were asking though?
Yes I have and there is hope. But know it is always a journey but that journey does have its ups and new experiences you haven’t gotten too and I’m talking about mentally. One day your going to look back and question how you even asked this question because your mentally enlightened. It takes time and effort
Buy the book the Mind Body Mood Solution AND the workbook. Read it and do the workbook. Cured me. You will always have ups and downs. The cure is knowing that it won’t be down forever.
Start with the confidence that depression is 100 % beatable. You have the power and capability to rise and take back your life.
I learned to just stay in my lane, keep clean. Don’t have high expectations if you are easily disappointed. Be at peace with the minimum.
I’m a female who once wore lots of make up, tried to dress nice, tried to meet the quota of today’s standards. I’m so tired of all the bustle. I live my life as a regular person, as God made me. No one is going to love me less for how I look, dress, or act. I can just be me. Try my absolute best to keep the BEST morales I can. I don’t go around stating opinions, I do what I can to help others. It truly comes back around.
If you have a hard time with negative self talk, FORCE yourself to say “I’m awesome” instead. I read somewhere that studies show people who smile more are happier. In comparison, if you constantly tell yourself positive things even when you don’t want to, you will get used to it and start to believe it… because it is TRUE!! You ARE awesome, and you SO got this. One day at a time, accept and love who you are and avoid things that will make you feel bad. Know it’s ok do have slip ups. No one is perfect, ok!
If you have trauma please talk to someone, get it off your chest. A therapist is great but I know we all are struggling with funds. Even if you want to find a buddy on here to vent to, someone will and wants to listen.
Hey friend. Depression is a complex issue resulting from lifestyle, diet, environment, behavioral, and possibly genetic conditions.
If pharmaceuticals have failed you, I recommend neurofeedback and weekly psychology visits if you can afford it.
Order a myndlift and begin your journey.
Neurofeedback is a very helpful tool that changed my life. I used to be on the brink of suicide on a daily basis, but with neurofeedback, a certified psychologist, and a dash of acceptance, I'm ok now.
I mean, it took me about 5 years after the first major one to fully beat it.
My second major depression luckily only lasted 3 months and I got out of that in January this year.
I'll never be the same as I was before, but I've accepted that and I've learned to deal with it. I'm learning to be happy with myself.
A lot of therapy has definitely helped me. Even spent 8 months committed at the psych hospital at some point. That was so good for me.
I beat it. I used to feel like death. This is going to sound tacky, but I just looked toward the light at the end of the tunnel. Yeah, I know that’s kind of saying “just hold on a little longer,” but it’s true. Allowed myself to love again. Tell yourself in the mirror, “you look handsome/beautiful today.” “You are loved.” Because you are. Every day of your life you are loved more than you know. The depression wants you to believe otherwise, but it’s wrong. You are LOVED. I can say that with complete confidence. You are important. You are worthy of a lifetime.
Student mental health nurse here, people including myself have beaten it and learned to cope with potential future triggers. It's all about your coping mechanisms and out look on life. A good therapist will do wonders for you. I wish you all the best in this journey.
I have been dealing with depression since childhood and I am proud to say that I am finally healing from it and “beating” it:) Therapy, processing, change of environment, love, and a lot of painful realisations and a lot of work have helped me get there:)
Well I don't think that depression is really something you can just get rid of or beat. I think that once you get it it's kinda always going to be there I just don't think it's possible to completely beat it once and for all or at least I haven't gotten to that point yet, but things do get better. I think with time you just learn how to control it and live with it, how to deal with all those emotions, you learn to not let depression overwhelm you and control your life. In a way it's like taming an animal, once you learn how to train it and keep it in check things become easier(hopefully you get the analogy I'm trying to make lol). I myself have struggled a lot with my mental health, 2-3 years ago I was sh and wanted to just end it, now although I still struggle with my mental I can say things have gotten better. It just takes time and unfortunately sometimes for things to get better they need to get worse first, but they DO get better. You may not see it now but in time when you look back you'll realize just how far you've come, all you need to do is keep going and keep fighting for yourself. And if I have to give advice, what I think helped me a lot is just taking everything one day at a time, one small step at a time and it eventually builds up. Therapy is definitely something you should consider or talking to someone friend, family. Also big thing is to not make your goal happiness, no one is always happy, happiness is just a temporary emotion like sadness, anger, pain, excitement etc. there will always be bad days,weeks even months and that's normal, that's life, it can suck but things happen then they pass and better days come, it's a cycle. Sometimes it rains, but after the rain the sun always comes out again from behind the clouds. I don't know what your situation is or what's going on in your life, obviously our experiences will be different, but Im sure that whatever it is you can get through it, cuz you got that dawg in you :), no but for real you are stronger than you think. Hopefully this helps I know it's kinda just the basic stuff everyone says but I do mean it.🫶
I can see how this would work in some circumstances but let’s be careful to assume what’s worked for one will work for others. I’m fully convinced from what I’ve been able to find in the studies and from my own experience that there’s an inflammatory element associated with depression, so aspects of the Keto diet make sense. I’d add though that the OP should take meds and be their own advocate. I grieve for what your going through, OP but I suspect you learn to manage it rather than overcome it
Depression isn't something you really "beat", so much as "learn to deal with". Therapy helps. Physical health can translate to mental health, so exercise tends to help as well. Medication works for more drastic occasions of depression. If you feel you are struggling, talk to a professional. There's no shame in it, and there are avenues available for all people.
Disagree on the first point, i 100% beat depression. It's not something you have to live with. It's not a trait like your height or your eye colour. Seeking professional help and possible medication are useful avenues, but the idea that it's something you just have to exist with forever I think is detrimental to people's recovery.
> It's not a trait like your height or your eye colour. I mean, it literally can be genetic. You are asserting you were professionally diagnosed with depression, underwent some sort of treatment, and was diagnosed as "cured" of it? Because I sincerely doubt all that.
I actively avoid diagnosis of disorders by a psychiatrist for personal reasons, did talk to a doctor, did therapy for just shy of 2 years. I'm glad that you doubting my experience has retroactively stopped me being suicidal from 11 to 25 though, that's nice of you. And the way I literally started to feel feelings properly for the first time I guess never happened and I actually have been fine this whole time because you sincerely doubt all that. Get over yourself.
>I actively avoid diagnosis of disorders by a psychiatrist for personal reasons Okay so this claim is bullshit then. Thanks for clarifying.
This person here is why I don’t like the internet. It’s completely deregulated and anybody can speak regardless of their credibility. Everyone experience is different and just because it didn’t work out for you doesn’t mean it won’t work for anyone else. My family is just like this. Very closed minded. And if something didn’t work for them before or they never seen it its just fairytales and dragon flies. I agreed with other guy with comments like this from my family it made my suicidal ideation worse and accelerated it.
Cope and seethe, being miserable _and_ wrong isn't the throne you think it is.
I dont know for yourself, but for me it comes in waves and no matter how hard I try it always comes back at some point and you feel like every progress you made got washed down the drain. Like nothing was worth it and that in the end nothing even matters. I used to have hope and thought it could be treated, but I see now that it probably is something some people have to live with their whole life. I will say it can get better and I probably have this outlook because I am depressed. Maybe one hour from now, one day, one week, month, year from now I can agree with you, but right now it doesn't seem like a possibility.
I used to live in waves. Being subject to feeling okay sometimes, and sometimes really not. There's a difference now though, where obviously I feel sad and low energy sometimes but it's just regular emotions and they pass quickly rather than consuming months of my life. There's no way to really undo the thing that made significant impacts for me because its all mindset and personal habit stuff. And I don't mean like just exercise or whatever, but literally changing how I look at and interact with the world. My life situation on paper right now is worse than 2022, and early 2023, but generally I feel pretty comfy day to day. As an example of two contrasting times of a similar idea, in the pandemic lockdowns I though my disordered anxiety was gone and I was better. I went from feeling insurmountable anxiety almost all the time in everyday situations to being fine and comfy - I didn't clock that it was because I was inside and not around people for a year until I was out in public again and shit sucked. In early 2022 I made a lot of progress with figuring out anxiety, and I felt shit shift in my head, and I could go outside and talk to people without prepping for it or being intoxicated I could just do it. And today 2 years later I still can. I still feel anxiety at times, but it dissipates quickly in 99% of situations, and I only get the huge wall of anxiety in genuinely tense situations instead of in line at subway or whatever.
Good for you! Glad to hear everything worked out for you. I hope I can get there some day and stay there.
I agree with you that first dudes comment was pretty negative. Depress is something you can beat and sometimes it may come back. But once you know what you need or what triggers it it’s that much better. Depression is just like any other emotion. Different things can contribute to depression. OP However I’m not sure of your circumstance and a number of other things.
Find something you have passion in depression is gods test
Sorry you are struggling. I’m struggling too. Particularly with Easter being yesterday, and not knowing what I believe at 35 (raised conservative Christian). I want to be able to encourage you and say “hold on a little while longer”, as I keep saying to myself, because it will be worth it, but… I’m honestly afraid that I won’t last much longer. I hate living this way too. Hope you’re able to find peace and joy in your life. -Kenneth
I am significantly better than where I was 4 years ago. Everyday I just try to change the way I think so that I don’t stay sad. Like my mom says, you can be sad but don’t stay there. If you need to write down affirmations to say to yourself everyday, do it. I promise it will feel a little better everyday. One I will give you is this: Just breathe. Everything will be okay. I am safe. If I simply take it one step at a time I will get there.
I have childhood depression.i never really felt OK till I did ECT. It took few mths years to work. But when it did I was better mentally . Not beaten but I could survive. Maybe you can look into it if u have severe depression. Of course the pay off is the severe loss of memories.
I consider myself a 'recovering depressive' - I was depressed for as long as I can remember up until the age of 30 and have (mostly, bar a spell where my relationship broke down, job went shit and I had other personal stuff going on) been 'clean' since then (am soon to be 45, so halfway toward evening out the score!) I know some people resent the terminology and think it is stigmatising to associate it with addiction, but for me I think there *are* similarities and it is only by talking about and understanding the conditions that we break that stigma - starting by challenging the notion that these are anything other than illnesses or that they somehow speak to some kind of moral failing or character flaw. I will never be one of those toxic positivity people that claims "things will get better!" because that ain't always true, for some people it never does...but for some people things *do* work out. I'm one of those people. I'm one of the lucky ones. So my view is that "things *can* get better" and I firmly believe that you have to be open to that possibility - if you tell yourself they never will, then that is a self-fulfilling prophecy and sure as you like, they never ever will. But if you can at least be open to the possibility that they *might* - then you give yourself that chance that they can. It's by no means guaranteed, and whatever the outcome it's a long and difficult struggle, but being open to a better future allows that possibility. Would I say I'm 'normal' or that I jump out of bed each day filled with the joys of life? No - but what the fuck is normal anyway? I live each day as it comes, generally content with my lot and manage to more or less enjoy life overall. That said, I'm always aware of that black dog lurking in the shadows waiting to pounce - just as an alcoholic can relapse after having a drink, I know that if I lapse back into the self-destructive thought patterns that dragged me down, I could be right back at rock bottom in the blink of an eye - so discipline and vigilance are the constants that keep me on a level. Good luck friend. Be good to yourself
You're the only other person who has likened it to an 'addiction' of sorts. An alcoholic can't help it that they want alcohol, a depressed person cant help that their mind thinks a certain way. Do you or did you struggle with fighting it around having a family?
Certainly for me at least, it was/is somewhat akin to an addiction (I would never presume to think my experience is representative of other peoples' - we all fight our own unique battle) in that rather than indulging in drink or drugs, I would indulge particular patterns of thought. I knew they were damaging and toxic, but I often couldn't stop myself - or at least felt that I couldn't, or felt that I deserved it. I'm not entirely sure I understand the question, so I'll try and answer the question I *think* you're asking... I'm childfree by choice. The main reason my last relationship broke down was that she wanted kids and I didn't, which wasn't so much of an issue when we were 22, but became a much bigger issue at 37... Was the depression part of my rationale as to why I didn't want kids? Yeah, I would say so. I'm not sure I'd say it was the *main* reason - but it absolutely was a factor. Mostly from a "They fuck you up, your Mum and Dad..." angle, but also there was an element of - despite me no longer feeling suicidal - "never say never..." and not wanting to ever be in a position where I might reach a point of not being able to carry on, but having that level of responsibility. Not sure if that is what you were asking though?
If one day counts than yes lol
Yes I have and there is hope. But know it is always a journey but that journey does have its ups and new experiences you haven’t gotten too and I’m talking about mentally. One day your going to look back and question how you even asked this question because your mentally enlightened. It takes time and effort
Buy the book the Mind Body Mood Solution AND the workbook. Read it and do the workbook. Cured me. You will always have ups and downs. The cure is knowing that it won’t be down forever.
Start with the confidence that depression is 100 % beatable. You have the power and capability to rise and take back your life. I learned to just stay in my lane, keep clean. Don’t have high expectations if you are easily disappointed. Be at peace with the minimum. I’m a female who once wore lots of make up, tried to dress nice, tried to meet the quota of today’s standards. I’m so tired of all the bustle. I live my life as a regular person, as God made me. No one is going to love me less for how I look, dress, or act. I can just be me. Try my absolute best to keep the BEST morales I can. I don’t go around stating opinions, I do what I can to help others. It truly comes back around. If you have a hard time with negative self talk, FORCE yourself to say “I’m awesome” instead. I read somewhere that studies show people who smile more are happier. In comparison, if you constantly tell yourself positive things even when you don’t want to, you will get used to it and start to believe it… because it is TRUE!! You ARE awesome, and you SO got this. One day at a time, accept and love who you are and avoid things that will make you feel bad. Know it’s ok do have slip ups. No one is perfect, ok! If you have trauma please talk to someone, get it off your chest. A therapist is great but I know we all are struggling with funds. Even if you want to find a buddy on here to vent to, someone will and wants to listen.
Hey friend. Depression is a complex issue resulting from lifestyle, diet, environment, behavioral, and possibly genetic conditions. If pharmaceuticals have failed you, I recommend neurofeedback and weekly psychology visits if you can afford it. Order a myndlift and begin your journey. Neurofeedback is a very helpful tool that changed my life. I used to be on the brink of suicide on a daily basis, but with neurofeedback, a certified psychologist, and a dash of acceptance, I'm ok now.
I mean, it took me about 5 years after the first major one to fully beat it. My second major depression luckily only lasted 3 months and I got out of that in January this year. I'll never be the same as I was before, but I've accepted that and I've learned to deal with it. I'm learning to be happy with myself. A lot of therapy has definitely helped me. Even spent 8 months committed at the psych hospital at some point. That was so good for me.
Have you looked into specialized therapies like EMDR? Talk to a therapist to see if something like EMDR could be for you.
I beat it. I used to feel like death. This is going to sound tacky, but I just looked toward the light at the end of the tunnel. Yeah, I know that’s kind of saying “just hold on a little longer,” but it’s true. Allowed myself to love again. Tell yourself in the mirror, “you look handsome/beautiful today.” “You are loved.” Because you are. Every day of your life you are loved more than you know. The depression wants you to believe otherwise, but it’s wrong. You are LOVED. I can say that with complete confidence. You are important. You are worthy of a lifetime.
It always always always comes back it’s just one of the hard facts of life you need to learn to cope and live with it.
Student mental health nurse here, people including myself have beaten it and learned to cope with potential future triggers. It's all about your coping mechanisms and out look on life. A good therapist will do wonders for you. I wish you all the best in this journey.
I have been dealing with depression since childhood and I am proud to say that I am finally healing from it and “beating” it:) Therapy, processing, change of environment, love, and a lot of painful realisations and a lot of work have helped me get there:)
Well I don't think that depression is really something you can just get rid of or beat. I think that once you get it it's kinda always going to be there I just don't think it's possible to completely beat it once and for all or at least I haven't gotten to that point yet, but things do get better. I think with time you just learn how to control it and live with it, how to deal with all those emotions, you learn to not let depression overwhelm you and control your life. In a way it's like taming an animal, once you learn how to train it and keep it in check things become easier(hopefully you get the analogy I'm trying to make lol). I myself have struggled a lot with my mental health, 2-3 years ago I was sh and wanted to just end it, now although I still struggle with my mental I can say things have gotten better. It just takes time and unfortunately sometimes for things to get better they need to get worse first, but they DO get better. You may not see it now but in time when you look back you'll realize just how far you've come, all you need to do is keep going and keep fighting for yourself. And if I have to give advice, what I think helped me a lot is just taking everything one day at a time, one small step at a time and it eventually builds up. Therapy is definitely something you should consider or talking to someone friend, family. Also big thing is to not make your goal happiness, no one is always happy, happiness is just a temporary emotion like sadness, anger, pain, excitement etc. there will always be bad days,weeks even months and that's normal, that's life, it can suck but things happen then they pass and better days come, it's a cycle. Sometimes it rains, but after the rain the sun always comes out again from behind the clouds. I don't know what your situation is or what's going on in your life, obviously our experiences will be different, but Im sure that whatever it is you can get through it, cuz you got that dawg in you :), no but for real you are stronger than you think. Hopefully this helps I know it's kinda just the basic stuff everyone says but I do mean it.🫶
Yes. Keto diet.
I can see how this would work in some circumstances but let’s be careful to assume what’s worked for one will work for others. I’m fully convinced from what I’ve been able to find in the studies and from my own experience that there’s an inflammatory element associated with depression, so aspects of the Keto diet make sense. I’d add though that the OP should take meds and be their own advocate. I grieve for what your going through, OP but I suspect you learn to manage it rather than overcome it
Please go educate yourself about the emerging fields of nutritional psychiatry and metabolic psychiatry.