Do the things you do to treat it just make it worse?

Hello

There are various resources that often mention that the treatment of depression entails exercise, medication, therapy, making more conscious effort to do things you mightn't feel like doing, getting out more and social interaction.

But what's the next step if you've tried all of these things countless times and most of them just don't seem to work for you, or better put, what do you do when the things that are supposed to help only seem make things much much worse.

That is where I am at, and I am reaching out to you in hopes that someone out there may be able to relate and/or provide guidance that might benefit me on this long and winding road to recovery.

Thanks in advance.

I think things like exercise, social interaction (not for me--I have PD's) and even medication and therapy work better for prevention, or mild cases of depression. When I'm deep down in it, nothing seems to help. But I truly believe that healthy social activity (if you're prone to it), exercise, a good diet, and proper sleep can help keep depression at bay, at least for a little while. Notice that I said "can help". A good analogy would be this: I used to have big problems with insomnia. And people would suggest I try drinking chamomile tea. Please.

For me, proper sleep is very important. If I'm chronically exhausted, it begins a chain of mental events (anger, worsening of OCD) that eventually leads to depression.

Who wants to exercise and eat right when they're depressed? It's nearly impossible. But everybody's different. It might work for some.

Have you looked into the meds you're taking? Some SSRI's and anti-anxiety meds can make depression worse in some people. I remember way back when I was on Zoloft. It definitely made things worse.

If these things aren't working for you, don't do them. (I'm not talking about meds…you should talk to your doctor about that). Trying and failing will not help.

I would suggest bringing this up with your doctor or therapist. I know that sounds like an all-purpose cop-out answer but I don't know enough about you individually to suggest what in your life might work.

What has worked for me in the past: sleep (naps), escapism (watching movies or TV), talking to friends, even if by email, my pets.

Also this (and I'm NOT recommending it to anyone, it's just been my experience that it helps): Moving out of your comfort zone. Making a mistake. Doing something stupid. Phucking things up even more. I know this sounds counterproductive, but for me, depression is like a long, dark continuum; day after day of the same misery. A major event, or even problem popping up in my life serves as a distraction. It throws a spike in the continuum of depression that sometimes makes it veer off in another direction; one that I may be able to get a better grip on in terms of resources or treatment.

I hope helps, or at least points you in the right direction.

I was like that. Anti-depressants in particular made me feel so much worse, although I know they help most people.

I've found some things that help me - taking a multivitamin makes a difference (low Vitamin D is a diagnosed problem for me), and physical exercise needs to be at least three hours to help, I go hike or explore when I can. I still have episodes of feeling crap, but at least I have some good times now.

***(TRIGGER WARNING: Self harm and suicide attempt)***

Scarlet attempted suicide using her anti-depressants, her self harm also reached its peak during the time she was taking them. The way they interacted with her made it appear as if she was inflicted with bi-polar disorder rather than depression and they lowered her inhibition and thus damaged her (already weak) social life. Also, since she stopped taking medication, she has found life slightly easier and has not made another attempt in nine months and has had steadily longer 'clean' streaks. Scarlet was diagnosed with severe acute depression almost 12 months ago.

Sincerely
--Valkyrie