I've struggled with depression for about 12 years now (I'm 26). I grew up in northern South Dakota and I remember the winters being the worst for me. I think part of it was SAD, part of it was being overweight and not exercising, part it is was my family life, and part of it was diet (junk food, chips, lots of mt. dew, etc.)
After I got myself into counseling, I made tremendous strides on diet, exercise, how I think and feel about myself and others, how to set boundaries and be assertive, etc. Eventually it got to a point where I knew my counselor could no longer help me. I think all these other things were simply layered over a core, low level depression caused by lack of purpose and place in life. I found it extremely frustrating that after everything I did I still was depressed!
So that's where I am now. I wouldn't say I'm depressed, but there is still that underlying dis-ease about my purpose here and "what it's all about." Just knowing this has been a tremendous help though. I have picked up many useful support skills like working out, eating (somewhat) better, eliminating my negative thinking, meditation, etc. None of these have been the "solution" but have definitely helped.  |