[l2crs]

ok. Question: Is there any DIY method to fight depression? I mean doubt that ill be taken seriously at home or in my group of friends.
and another 1. Telling some1 about my issues ... lets say a an acquaintance that is impartial and is able to really listen, good or bad idea?

[pegasus]

Hello 12crs,

Yes there are a lot of resources on the internet to help you cope with depression. Psych Central: Depression

There are a lot of things we can do for ourselves to get through it. Over the years I have built up my own depression 'toolbox' of coping strategies to get through those darker times. You have to find out what works for you. For example it has been proven that exercise helps with depression and so does sunlight, so going for a walk (even when we don't feel like it) in the sunshine can help. Eating right and getting the right amount of sleep, sounds simple but when we are depressed we are less enclined to take care of ourselves. Here is a link for some more tips 9 Ways to Take Care of Yourself When You Have Depression | World of Psychology

As for your second question, therapy with a professional is best but yes we are social beings and sharing/talking about it really does help. Bottling it all up makes depression worse so talking with friends and trusted individuals is a good idea. And of course the forums here are useful for sharing as well - another self-help resource!

[CANDC]

12crs
As Pegasus says there are many resources available and each person's sensitivities can make different areas more favorable.
I also feel the difference in my mental outlook on days I exercise for 20 minutes and days I don't. I still have days I don't do much exercise but usually on the second day I feel much more stable after exercising.
Food is a very personal choice we make. For years I had a high carbohydrate diet and when I finally started to modify that with more protein (vegetable or animal) then my mood swings due to blood sugar changes became less and less.
These suggestions are not meant to replace professional help or medicine, but reflect lifestyle changes that I found improved my overall emotional stability and feeling of well being in addition to other help I received from others. It also gives me a greater sense of having tools in the toolbox when things happen unexpectedly.

[Bolivar83]

Dear 12crs: late to this thread, but wanted to chime in. I find the forums here give me so many excellent, new suggestions/options for dealing with depression; I would encourage you to use this space for extra support and input.

I've tried to develop other methods to get me out of bed, in addition to a good therapist and medications. Exercise and diet can be crucial - as other posters have said above. I also have a "virtual" box of things that I use to try to shift my mood: I built a private site only for me, password protected, that includes a clearinghouse of things like quotes I find inspiring, a statement of belief in myself, positive statements my therapist has helped me develop, photos of better times, a basic checklist when I am too low to operate, movies that make me laugh, reminders of my goals, even positive visualizations I have recorded. I can access it from my phone as well. Not saying "just laugh/shake it off!" but there are times a little prod or nudge can at least get me to shower and sit outside for a while. Deep depression can't just be shaken off, but I try to use smaller nudges to at least get me operating.

Take care! - Bolivar

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

For me, my workouts really help; it's a big "screw you" to depression. Going out whenever you can, being around people, ... basically trying to force yourself to do what depression holds you back from; it's not easy, that's for damn sure, but in can be doable. I also find expression helpful, and that, for me, comes out in my guitar stuff, but there's also poetry, drawing, painting, and other creative forms of expression. Most importantly, if you want to beat it, don't give up! Never ever give up.