I have servere depression (I believe it's called clinical depression). I am completely fed up with feeling this way, and have been this way for the last 6 years. I kept thinking that it would get better, but it's obviouse that it's not.
I'm going to be 25 yrs old in November and I realize that there are so many things that I would have wanted to accomplish by now, but my depression has prevented this.
I keep reading about how depression is caused by 'chemical imbalances' in the brain, and it feels like I don't stand a chance at beating it without going on Anti-depressants, but I don't want to go down this route cause I'm worried about the side-effects.
Can anyone suggest natural ways to beat depression that don't involve medication?
Exercise, St. John's Wort, positive mental feedback (tell yourself good things, not bad), good ole night's sleep – amazing what sleep will do for you. Try melatonin and/or valerian root if you have trouble sleeping. Hugs – it sounds silly, but really, hugs.
It is often imperative to also get some therapy along with medication, if only to change the negative thought patterns you have developed while depressed.