Getting motivated to help yourself in severe depression

[steamvessel]

This is something I have been thinking of. I know that I can do better for myself with my depression, if I could just act/ think in a different way. In this sense I take responsibility. But it's just so hard to do. Do any of you have any advice for this, it's hard because everything I do reminds me that I'm not as good as I want it to be, it's easier just to avoid certain things.

[Vintersemestre]

I know exactly what you mean... self CBT can actually be as good as when it's conducted by a therapist if it's done properly. There are loads of books out there that can teach this.

[liveweyerd]

My depression is medical, it took me years to come to accept that....I tried everything, read everything to change myself, my thinking etc.

I can recommend one book:
Change your Mind, Change your brain...available most places, easily at Amazon and maybe ebay.
It is based on cutting edge science research in neurology.

Best wishes,
Tena

[Vintersemestre]

I have some books too.. so many I don't know which to read first!

"Undoing Depression" Richard O Connor PhD
"Healing Anxiety and Depression" Daniel G. Amen MD, Lisa C Routh MD

These two seem to be very helpful... I started reading Undoing Depression today. The other one is very scientific in nature and equally interesting.

[liveweyerd]

There are a plethora of science based ones at MindandLife.org

A special research group consortium.

[ClimbingUP]

I have battled with clinical depression for most of my adult life. Most of the time, I find myself winning the battle. These are some of my behaviors that I absolutely do every time I get into a depression: I eat a lot of processed and fatty foods, I don't exercise, I isolate. For me, I not only have to stop the negative thoughts in my head that keep me thinking negatively of myself, but I also have to stop the habituated depressive behaviors.

One thing that would be really great for you is to have someone who understands depressive behavior and can call you on it when you make excuses for why you're depressed. Personally, I hate hearing myself complain and sometimes I can check myself when I'm in downward mode. One thing I have found through experience is that depressed people tend to hang out with other depressed people. This can be really counter-productive if you're trying to feel better about yourself. Misery sure does love company.

I've been struggling because I'm not working right now and money is tight, but I found a local mental health center that has sliding scale fees based on income (probably about $30 bucks a session). If you're not in therapy, it really is so beneficial. Having someone listen to you and give you constructive, objective feedback is a really good thing.

If you're not on anti-depressant medication, it really can help moderate your depression. It probably won't cure it and it isn't a happy pill. When I first started taking an SSRI, I found that it got my head in a place where I could see my behaviors a lot more clearly and I was able to formulate new, non-depressive reactions.

But really, it is all about taking that first step. Positive behaviors and thoughts tend to foster positive feedback loops that can really help fight against depression. The worst thing we can do is nothing.

[liveweyerd]

I have practiced a certain meditation for so long that it has become self-hypnosis.

Breathing in deeply and evenly, my single thought (timed to the breath) is "Compassion for myself", The exhale the same except the the thought is "Compassion for others"

This is the most powerful tool I have found because it really is so like hynosis if it isn't indeed. I wake feeling great, refreshed and strenghened. And more.

[mattcake79]

SV, I probably tried just about *everything* to address my depression. Meds helped, therapy helped a lot, and of course getting sober is having a huge impact.

However, like you said, taking responsibility for the situation was the cornerstone for my recovery. If you're into somewhat "alternative" reads, I suggest "Creative Visualization" by Shakti Gawain. Until I read that book, my self-defeating attitude was probably the single most important factor driving my depression. Changing and monitoring my thoughts became life changing for me - and positive thoughts spawn positive action. Good luck, it's great to hear that you're addressing this condition

[mattcake79]

BTW, some forms of depression are endogenous (the infamous "chemical imbalance", non situational depression). However, like Tena mentioned, even this form of depression can benefit from meditation and affirmations.

[Freedom1990]

Originally Posted by liveweyerd

I have practiced a certain meditation for so long that it has become self-hypnosis.

Breathing in deeply and evenly, my single thought (timed to the breath) is "Compassion for myself", The exhale the same except the the thought is "Compassion for others"

This is the most powerful tool I have found because it really is so like hynosis if it isn't indeed. I wake feeling great, refreshed and strenghened. And more.

Thanks for sharing that, Tina! I'm going to give that a try.

[liveweyerd]

My depression began at puberty and has been progressive throughout my life. I am now almost 50. Going from 1 antidepressant for a long while and it working to now being on 4.

But if you read my threads you will see I am functioning and for that and modern medicine I am very grateful.

There is no doubt that had my daughter not dragged me in to the Dr's in pajamas to get me help, I would be dead by now. (She was a young adult at the time and I was in a major episode)

Tena

[historyteach]

Originally Posted by steamvessel

This is something I have been thinking of. I know that I can do better for myself with my depression, if I could just act/ think in a different way. In this sense I take responsibility. But it's just so hard to do. Do any of you have any advice for this, it's hard because everything I do reminds me that I'm not as good as I want it to be, it's easier just to avoid certain things.

Steamvessel,
I hope that you've gotten some good responses thus far,
And that you'll get some more now, as time goes on.

How are you doing?
Please keep us updated, ok?
We care...

Shalom!