Feeling really down

[happyduck1979]

I fairly recently suffered from a nervous breakdown.  It has taken a heck of a lot of work, but a year and a half later I find myself being able to smile, laugh, and be a productive member of my community again.  The pain is always in the background, but I have worked hard to learn to live with it and try to continue to reach to be a better person

Comments

[crassy]

Spend as much time as you can out in the sun and exercise. Both of those things.

Regular exercise can be an effective way to treat some forms of depression. Physical activity causes brain pleasure centres to be stimulated and leads to feelings of wellbeing. Exercise can also be an effective treatment for anxiety. Some research studies indicate that regular exercise may be as effective as other treatments like medication to relieve milder depression. Generally, exercise has a place in treatment as part of a comprehensive approach to the illness.

[happyduck1979]

The biggest problem with this (and it is something we are working on) is I live in a VERY bright location, and bright sun gives me migraines (even with dark glasses and a hat). I try to scedule time outside as much as I can, but it has to be late afternoon/evening so sun is not all that common in my life right now.

[celandine]

If you aren't allergic, you might take a trip to the local shelter and play with the animals there. It's free and family-friendly, and spending time with kittens and puppies is proven to boost seratonin levels. :)

[happyduck1979]

Funny enough we recently got gerbils and I commented to my husband how just watching them and holding them makes me feel better. It is a really great idea, thanks.

[lanculus]

My suggestion is that you take time for yourself when you can. Read a book in bed, have a long bath, bake a cake, maybe? Also, I hate to admit this (because I never take this piece of advice), but everyone I've seen about my depression has told me to exercise regularly. Exercise releases endorphins, and it will help you sleep better at night if that's a problem.

I hope this helps, and I hope you feel better soon.