I'm depressed and suicidal, and I was wondering if there are somethings that can help with the depression and suicidal thoughts, without taking medication and/or calling a hot-line. No, I don't want ideas for suicide, I just need help taking a stand against it. How can I do that?
You have to change your way of thinking first of all. Try going to counseling about your situation, it could be something from your past that you are repressing that is the underlying problem.
You have to realize that you are more than you think. Get out meet people, get involved in different activities. Exercise will cause your body to release endorphins which relax your body and cause happiness. Get a workout partner who will push you to reach new heights, for example a bicycling partner who will push you to increase your speed and endurance. Once you realize you have accomplished a worth while goal you can will find it easier to put your thoughts further and further away from you.
I have never been suicidal but I have been depressed about my weight and exercise helped to boost my confidence and get me through the hardest times.
I hope this helps you through the hard times you are facing.
May 31st, 2009 at 5:27 am
You have to change your way of thinking first of all. Try going to counseling about your situation, it could be something from your past that you are repressing that is the underlying problem.
You have to realize that you are more than you think. Get out meet people, get involved in different activities. Exercise will cause your body to release endorphins which relax your body and cause happiness. Get a workout partner who will push you to reach new heights, for example a bicycling partner who will push you to increase your speed and endurance. Once you realize you have accomplished a worth while goal you can will find it easier to put your thoughts further and further away from you.
I have never been suicidal but I have been depressed about my weight and exercise helped to boost my confidence and get me through the hardest times.
I hope this helps you through the hard times you are facing.
References :
May 31st, 2009 at 5:58 am
I'm '''''no'''' type of expert on this topic, but I can give you a lot of helpful suggestions. I have worked the night shift for a few years and I have read a lot about ways to feel better (best thing would be for me to get a better job of course).
Exercise (especially aerobic) and dietary measures are suppose to be good for alleviating or lessening depression. Read about exercise reducing depression (symptoms) at -> http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-and-exercise/MH00043 As far as dietary measures, start off by eating a well balanced diet (eliminate junk/processed food if you haven't already).
Most people are highly deficient in omega 3 essential fatty acids which is needed for optimal brain function (among many other important things). This can be best gotten by eating more fish (if from uncontaminated sources, such as wild salmon from the North Atlantic) or quality "fish oil" or "krill oil" supplements. Other less helpful sources of omega 3 include fresh ground flaxseed, shelled hempseed, and chia seed. These plant sources must be converted by the body before they can be used (which isn't very efficient compared to animal sources which can be used directly).
I'm taking NKO krill oil myself and I think it helped to improve my concentration and reduce restlessness (has been shown to be helpful for ADD in a study). Other effects are that some knee pain I had for a couple years went away and my skin got a little oilier. My skin is already oily so that part isn't a positive for me, but it's not a big deal either (considering other benefits).
Another nutritional strategies is to eat things that increase seratonin such as bananas, figs, cherries, avocados, turkey, etc… The effect from this is subtle but usually still helpful. Make sure you don't overdo it on the sugary fruit if you choose to include more of these foods. Too much sugar would be counterproductive.
A lack of sunshine will reduce seratonin and vitamin d levels. If you are eating a healthy diet which includes getting the proper amount of antioxidants and essential fatty acids (especially omega 3), """moderate"""" sun exposure (without sunscreen, on bare skin) is actually good for you. Just so long as you avoid getting burnt.
There is actually a condition called SAD (seasonal affective disorder) which occurs when people get depressed from a lack of sunlight in the cold/dark months (winter). There are special full spectrum lights (simulate the sun's rays) that have shown promise in treating SAD. If you want to try it I would suggest a low-cost full spectrum florescent bulb instead of an expensive custom lamp or light box (unless you're wealthy). Such can be found at http://www.mercola.com/forms/light_bulbs.htm A study here says that they found results equal to that of many antidepressant medication trials -> http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/162/4/656?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=Golden&searchid=1112805775067_5351&stored_search=&FIRSTINDEX=0&volume=162&issue=4&journalcode=ajp It's best to get sunlight exposure sometime during the morning and complete darkness at night for optimizing your internal clock and thus sleep patterns. Optimal and quality sleep is necessary to deal effectively with anxiety and/or depression.
It's important to have emotional support. Good social ties and relationships with friends and family. Many people benefit from the company of pets.
See people's ratings for depression treatments at http://www.remedyfind.com/HealthConditions/9/ Scroll down to the bottom to see the non-drug treatments. Very promising are the "self care therapies". Keep in mind that many of the (alternative) treatments have a very limited amount of ratings (which would cause me to question their accuracy).
Best wishes on things improving.
References :