Just come off anti depressants. Natural alternative suggestions

The problem with severe depression and/or anxiety is that on very black days one can neither be bothered to wash and dress nor be sociable. The less you do these things, the less you want to, it’s really really not the case of mind over matter.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with medication which literally makes you feel life is worth living when nothing else works. With good meds you then can get up, shower, put your face on, socialise, work, literally live!

If you can find a local group doing some sort of creative activity that could really help. There is some evidence that making things improves your moods. I do a ceramics class with a friend. She's had some really difficult problems since it started but she says coming to the class and having to totally concentrate on creating something has helped her get through it.

Blackwit

I advised my patients to exercise, doesn’t have to be the gym, just something to ‘get the juices flowing’. Even gardening seems to be helpful. I find swimming helps me physically and mentally. Depression saps energy and leads to a vicious circle. Avoid the trap of isolating and doing less simply because that’s easier.

Avoid alcohol as it’s a depressant.

When you’re out walking, try not to focus on the ground. Look up, straighten up, don’t slump, drop your shoulders and breathe, it’s amazing how a change in body posture lifts the mood. Behave as though you’re not depressed. ‘Fake it until you make it’ is a cliche, but people find it helpful in breaking the circle of anxiety and depression.

Try to have something to look forward to every week, a treat for you and your husband. It doesn’t have to cost anything, it could be a walk in a favourite spot or spending time with friends and family.

Watch your favourite comedy film or comedian. Laughter really is the best medicine and there are proper studies to prove it!

Try something new, something you’ve always wanted to learn, whether it’s the piano or solving cryptic crosswords.

People have posted a lot of really good ideas so have some fun finding out which ones work for you. Good luck.

Are you a doctor? Genuinely interested. Some great ideas.

I'm not entirely sure " have fun " is always possible if you feel rough.

I advised my patients to exercise, doesn’t have to be the gym, just something to ‘get the juices flowing’. Even gardening seems to be helpful. I find swimming helps me physically and mentally. Depression saps energy and leads to a vicious circle. Avoid the trap of isolating and doing less simply because that’s easier.

Avoid alcohol as it’s a depressant.

When you’re out walking, try not to focus on the ground. Look up, straighten up, don’t slump, drop your shoulders and breathe, it’s amazing how a change in body posture lifts the mood. Behave as though you’re not depressed. ‘Fake it until you make it’ is a cliche, but people find it helpful in breaking the circle of anxiety and depression.

Try to have something to look forward to every week, a treat for you and your husband. It doesn’t have to cost anything, it could be a walk in a favourite spot or spending time with friends and family.

Watch your favourite comedy film or comedian. Laughter really is the best medicine and there are proper studies to prove it!

Try something new, something you’ve always wanted to learn, whether it’s the piano or solving cryptic crosswords.

People have posted a lot of really good ideas so have some fun finding out which ones work for you. Good luck.

macadia I felt I wanted to come off the anti depressants if I could, though I understand why they are a life saver for many. I needed them post lockdown as there were some issues and stress which I could not cope with. crazyH you are right, when I realised that there were things that I couldn't change and no medication would alter, it made me change my outlook.

I think clinical depression can be helped with antidepressants. During my divorce, I was given them. Did nothing for me , simply because the ‘cause’, the ‘reason’ was still there. Once I had accepted the betrayal, and used ‘mind over matter’ and convinced myself, I was better off without him, I felt better. The long process of the divorce ‘settlement’ , also helped me re-focus.

I really only like Aquafit classes. I love being in the water. Also, it's a discipline to make me get there. I feel very smug relaxing back home afterwards so mentally and physically it helps me.

I hate exercise! I'n sure I am dyspraxic. I loathed team games, never got picked, couldn't catch a ball or walk along a bench.

It does actually seem to help keep the D at bay.

So I force myself to do it.

Germanshepherdsmum

I agree. If you’re seriously depressed you need medication in order to give you the motivation to exercise - which as you say only lifts the spirits temporarily. There is no shame in needing antidepressants, any more than any other kind of medication.

Absolutely!

Germanshepherdsmum

Well said Cossy. They have been a life saver for me - literally.

Me too.

I agree. If you’re seriously depressed you need medication in order to give you the motivation to exercise - which as you say only lifts the spirits temporarily. There is no shame in needing antidepressants, any more than any other kind of medication.

Yes, same here, GSM.

I haven't much faith in the 'exercise is good for depression' and 'go for a walk' mantras. They only work for a very short while, while you are actually doing them - the good benefits don't last any longer than that. At least not for me.

It is different for everybody, perhaps depending on the extent of the depression.

Well said Cossy. They have been a life saver for me - literally.

zakouma66

Thats one of the crazy ironies of depression...the things that make you feel better, you can't do, because you are depressed!

I’ve been on and off anti-depressants for a number of years. I have depression and anxiety. Sometimes it’s just really hard to cope and we all need to do what works for us. There’s absolutely no shame in being on anti depressants, for some of us they are literally a life saver. We need to do what works for us and not worry about others.

I think it’s unfair to say it’s easy to say it’s easy to say go for a walk……
It’s certainly not when you are in the middle of a depression however when generally upbeat and looking for strategies I’d say don’t knock it til you’ve tried it.
The same goes for absolutely everything else too.

Thats one of the crazy ironies of depression...the things that make you feel better, you can't do, because you are depressed!

it is so easy for people not depressed to say Go for a walk isn't it!

Have you decided to come off these anti-depressants because you no longer need them?

It is very helpful to have these views of you, thank you. Actually a lovely walk with the dogs in a wildflower meadow this afternoon accompanied by birdsong was uplifting.

Apparently St John’s Wort is a natural alternative to antidepressants which seems to work for some people. I can’t recommend as I’ve not tried them . Be warned it can react to some prescription medicines so check with your GP or pharmacist

Somebody once said to me " Nobody chooses depression"

How true.

Its not easy living alongside the Black Dog and there are no medals for doing without help.
Antidepressants work well for some and others prefer a different route.
Some interesting ideas here, Thanks

I understand daily Journalling is now recommended for coping with daily stresses. I've always found writing to be very therapeutic.

I was impressed by Johan Hari's book on the subject. Social engagement seems to be very important. Maybe not as easy as we age but the most cheerful elderly people I know are very sociable and always out and about. They take a great interest in others. One lady in particular is a real icon for me. I will try to be like her.

Depression very often naturally lifts after a period of time and I think you have come off medication in a very sensible way, You should now be able to really appreciate life without it being a bit tamped down by medication. I think that what Keepingquiet says is very sound. I would also add in looking at Mindfulness to help you really be in the present moment.. plenty of stuff on Zoom.. Thich Nhat Hahn is a real inspiration for me.. also just do things that you really enjoy..