I've never tried to talk about my depression to other depression-sufferers, but I feel like I discussing it here on a forum could help me make sense of it.

I was first diagnosed at 13, I'm almost 22 now. I'm currently undergoing CBT-style therapy and I'm on anti-depressants. But, of course, dealing with my depression is an everyday battle! It wasn't until I reached about 20 years old that I realised it was something I would have to actually work on consistently.

So I've been making healthy changes to my diet and I'm exercising over 3 times a week, ideally. I do love a drink, but I'm cutting back. But it's difficult. Physical and hormonal things like PMS or the after-effects of a big weekend or even fatigue can make me very vulverable, and if something bad happens on top of that, I can lose it.

This is a constant fear of mine, as my depression has affected my study in the past. And although I've been doing very well at uni, it has been a great battle, at times I've had to request exemptions for mental health reasons (which I have absolutely hated doing). It feels like I've gotten through by the skin of my teeth!

I guess I'm trying to learn to watch for the warning signs as well as understand the balance of physical and psychological health. So I guess I thought I would put it out there and ask you, how do you recognise and what do you do when you see the red flags of an oncoming lapse of depression? Do you have any hints or tips for preventing it? I've found multi-v's and plenty of grains have made a significant change to my mood swings, as well as cutting down on sugar and alcohol.

Thanks,
M.