[ava_adore123]

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.

[Blue Poppy]

Hi there,

I have had enough episodes of depression that I started and "early warning signs" list. It is helpful to have one and refer back to it. For me, the first symptom is a feeling of loneliness. I don't feel like being around people. Even answering the phone is a challenge. Eventually I lose interest in things I ordinarily like. I feel overwhelmingly fatigued. In fact, the amount of caffeine intake usually increases as I try to keep myself awake.
Everyone is different but if you pay close attention, I am sure you will start to see some patterns forming.
The best thing I have found is to start exercising more to try and pull myself out of it. It is the last thing that I feel like doing but I force myself, even if it is merely a walk. I have managed to bypass a few episodes by doing this.
It is good to talk with others about depression. I have found that talking about it makes it easier to cope. Good luck to you.

[dg1983]

I agree with Blue Poppy---I feel very lonely too. Even if I am around people, I will still feel lonely. Also, I would be prone to breaking my usual routines, for example I will stop going to the gym, cooking, etc. My energy level would feel very low, even though I haven't done anything. But yeah, everyone is different. It's good you are staying active, honestly for me it is the best way for me to avoid from sinking deeper. I find when I am very irritable, instead of going to the gym I would go for a walk outside in the park and listen to my absolute favorite music on my iPod. I find it very relaxing.

[regretful]

Glad to hear about your diet and exercise change. I have read a lot about Omega-3's helping with depression. I do hope that you keep feeling better. Incidentally, that reduction in drinking probably has a lot to do with feeling better as alcohol and anti-depressants are never a good mix.