Diagnosis

[Scotman84]

Just been diagnosed with Clinical Depression - got pills but what else can I do?

[filthiestfis]

Dont expect any sympathy from MissyR! She is likely to call you a pathetic loser!!!

[whoopy]

I would say now you've gone to get help that is the first step to recovery-now you have to dig deep to get to the root of the problem and work out why it is you feel like the way you do. There could be a problem you've buried and this is the way its decided to 'out' itself. I think pill just masks the feeling it doesn't solve it. If you don't feel strong enough to cope with this by yourself go and c a therapist they are there to listen and help you cope and eventually, by working at your own pace, they will help you see there is light at the end of the tunnel!x

[wolf63]

The first hurdle is going to the doctor and taking the tablets. Some times that is all that is needed, it makes you feel better and then you start to put your life back together.

I have bipolar disorder and my psychiatrist told me to try large amounts of Omega 3 EPA

http://www.healthyandessential.co.uk/shop/

I take two of these a day, but one is the normal dose. Folic acid is supposed to be good for you too, it has been in quite a few articles lately. Don't take St Johns Wort with anti depressants.

If the anti depressants don't work in a few weeks go back to the doctor, there are many different tablets that he/she can prescribe.

Whatever you do - talk to your friends and family about it, it is much easier to cope if you have their support.

Good luck

Susan - a Scots "girl".

[teag1rl]

get plenty of exercise. I dont know about clinical depression, but when I'm down it always helps.

[whyme]

Have to agree with Teag1rl, I aways find any sort of exercise; even just walking at a reasonable pace will lift your mood - something to do with endorphines being released by the brain.

[Pisceangirl]

Hi Scotman84.
I have suffered from depression for many years and for a long time just tried to ignore it hoping it would just go away. Eventually I came to a point in my life where "just coping with it" was not enough, so I saw a doctor and she prescribed me antidepressants (citalopram- low level of side effects). For years I thought "I don't need pills, they'll not work, I can deal with this on my own...I'M NOT WEAK!". But after taking the pills for a while they made me feel calmer and I was able to concentrate easier and the mud that was my thinking started to clear. They were the first step, but NOT the cure! After your mind clears you are then able to try and understand your patterns of thinking; why you react the way you do to situations and if you can start to react in a more positive way. It's a hard slog and you need the support of friends and family- if that's not possible go to a cousellor- it helped for me to talk to someone impartial so I didn't have to feel guilty burdening them with my sh**!
Anyway...it does get better. I will always suffer from bouts of depression though (that's just me), and I've accepted that it is a part of my life and shutting it out is sometimes worse than accepting it. I then say "It won't last forever", because it never does...I always feel better sooner or later and the good times and good people around me give such hope! Some other things apart from pills that may work; meditation, taking up a relaxing hobby, religion (for some- not me personally), reading (really helps me escape sometimes), eating a healthier diet, excersise...
Good luck :)

[dot.hawkes]

Stay out of the New section Scotman84.

[Amara]

Scotman - Many people experience what you are going through, and recover, and go on to experience a wonderful, joyful life. You should look for a safe place to start to heal from this, go and see a counsellor, religious, spiritual or otherwise, unburden yourself from the deep rooted issues causing your pain, and you will then be ready and able to rebuild your life. Also make sure you eat a healthful diet, lots of fresh foods, cut out the high sugar and refined foods. Cut down on alcohol and caffeine and drink plenty of water - 6-8 glasses per day. Get out into nature as often as you can. take your shoes off and walk barefoot in the grass or on the beach, it is amazing how much positive energy we can gain from nature. I wish you much love and light - Amara xx

[Scotman84]

Many thanks to all of you - felling a bit better already lol .