History of depression

[xnez]

I have a history of depression, but am doing really well right now.

What things should i do to keep the good times going?

I understand that we all have our ups and downs, and honestly i am glad for that.

I just don't want to go back to not being able to get out of bed and being in a deep pit of despare

thanks

[Phil Parkinson]

Originally Posted by xnez

I have a history of depression, but am doing really well right now.

What things should i do to keep the good times going?

I understand that we all have our ups and downs, and honestly i am glad for that.

I just don't want to go back to not being able to get out of bed and being in a deep pit of despare

thanks

In fact, i have mild bipolar disorder, so I also have a history of depression.

Although i do still have my ups and downs, I am quite confident that I have found a way to limit the depressions… To make them shorter and less destructive. My solution is simple to type and more difficult to put into practice.

I have developed myself in every way… I put my every effort into my company… I fixed my diet… I started exercising a great deal… I learned to dance… I started to take more pride in my appearance. I removed all the negative people from my life (including my dad). I began spending time being thankful for what I have each morning (not just material possessions, but my body, my senses, my friends and family). I started trying to make the most out of every moment.

The above is basically the way I live my life… It has made me both successful and happy.

Some people think that depression is a chemical imbalance… that it is totally independent of external factors…

For me this is simply not true… I got depressed when my life was shit…. I worked my arse off to give myself a rich life (not just money) and now that I have it, I spend so much more of my time with sunshine in my head and less time thinking dark thoughts.

I hope this helps.

Phil x

[raji]

I suffered from depression as well and am doing quite well now for the past yar and half. One thing that helped me immensely is having goals, both short and long term. Each week I come up with a list of things to acheive like certain hours of exercise, reading certain number of books, cooking special dishes for my family and so on. Having to focus on achieving these keeps me excited and happy. Ofcourse I do have some bad days, but they are less are further apart now. And I also recover faster from such days.
Keep your energy and spirits up and if you ever need someone to talk to, PM me.

[Zukin]

Phil and raji's suggestions are very good.

I also wrote an earlier post about the biological & cognitive basis of depression and things to do to overcome it:

16 and majorly depressed

[AtriumGuy]

Hi Xnez--
I am sorry to hear about your condition. My mother has been battling depression and bi-polar disorder for years, and I know it can be tough.
FOCUS on gratitude....every day and every night spend a few minutes to be grateful for everything you have in your life. Purposefully habituate the act of being grateful. The depressed "cycle" does NOT have to come back...in fact it only exists in the 6 inches between your ears...(its what I always tell my mom). Keep feeling good...!