[puzzclar]

I don't know anything else besides how I am.... I need to change away from the depressed person that I've become..... but how??

Changing how I think is a slow process.... and I feel like I need to change faster than that.... but how??

[online user]

Change is a slow process...but new habits can form in as little as three weeks. When I am at a low point, I try to take things a day at a time. I look for the positive in what is occuring, and try to focus on that. One thing that has helped me, is Burns, "Feeling Good Handbook". You might try working through that. It has Cognitive Behavior strategies for feeling better. Good luck to you on your journey!

[IceCreamKid]

Originally Posted by puzzclar

I don't know anything else besides how I am.... I need to change away from the depressed person that I've become..... but how??

Changing how I think is a slow process.... and I feel like I need to change faster than that.... but how??

I'm not sure about "changing faster" but one thing that I found helpful was to consciously reject negative thoughts. If was ruminating on how mean my boss was, I would stop, tell myself I didn't have to think about that anymore, and deliberately start thinking about something pleasant. I reinforced those pleasant thoughts with seeking out pleasant healthy activities: walking outdoors in the fresh air, listening to good music, seeing fun movies. Try to focus on one do-able change at a time.

[Leed]

Some of us just plain CAN'T quit being depressed. I've been depressed since i was a child - they tell me now I'm "clinically" depressed. So I have to take antidepressants probably for the rest of my life. I've been on them for years, and have been in and out of therapy for years too ~ I've "graduated" from therapy for the time being anyway.

If depression goes on for too long, even with therapy, and you've done everything you can to try to alleviate it, it might be time for an antidepressant.

Best of luck & God bless. Hugs, Lee

[madisgram]

it takes time but if you go to therapy and get evaluated it will help speed up your progress. therapy will help you know the triggers that help cause the depression..i know cause i've had depression my entire life. the good news for me was therapy and meds. it is amazing how much it has improved my life.
hope this gives you hope. we care.

http://www.suite101.com/content/fear-of-change-a178729
http://www.psychologytoday.com/print/23530
http://www.redbookmag.com/print-this...imist?page=all
https://discussingdissociation.wordp...-thankful-for/

[MissMay1977]

The Feeling Good Handbook by David Burns is an excellent book to read to help change your thought patterns. I refer to it every once in awhile to refresh myself on the strategies to help with overcoming depression.