Depression & Fighting it Off

Hey!

First off, I want to say, that depression is something you should take seriously...so if it gets too bad, pleassseee talk to someone. Anyone.

I have suffered from depression since I was 18--I am about to turn 22 now. It was on and off for the first two years...and I gained most of my weight in those two years. Nothing I tried helped, although I wasn't talking to anybody about it. I kept to myself. I tried medications, but they made me feel worse. I started to exercise and eat healthier..that's what helped me the most. I didn't want to. I would find any excuse to eat fries or a burger....maybe pizza. I was doing very good-I had lost 10 of those 35 pounds I had gained-when something devastating happened (last January) that sent me back into the darkest point of my depression. I struggled for months. I continued to eat and gain weight. I didn't want to do anything.

Anyways, after talking to someone I started feeling better, but I was still empty. I was looking for something greater. That's when I renewed my relationship with God. I don't know if you're religious, but I wear a bracelet every day with Philippians 4:13 on it. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." This is my daily reminder that God is there for me and that with His love, I can do anything.

A few months later I was at the pet store buying food for my roommate's dog when I crossed paths with an almost 2 month old puppy. He was half papillion, half chihuahua. I couldn't help but pick him up. He was the tiniest little thing I'd ever seen...and immediately I fell in love. He's now almost 7 months, and coming home to see him is what makes my day brighter. He's so sweet, and so happy. He is the reason I am not depressed anymore. I have something to look forward to every day. Jackson loves me for who I am and is there for me when I'm sad. It may sound pathetic, but he truly is a wonderful creature.

In addition to that, I quit the job I hated more than anything, and picked up more at the daycare I work with. Doing something I love helps me to be a happier person.

A few weeks ago I got all motivation back to be a healthier happier me. Little things throughout the past few months have been the motivation I need to lose this extra weight, and be happier with who I am. I'm not happy with the weight I'm at, and I refuse to let it drag me down anymore. So now I'm back on track. This week I've lost 2 pounds...and I'm so proud of myself for doing so.

I've got a bit to go to get to my goal, but I'm just happy that I'm getting my life back. I'm not cured from the depression, sometimes it hits again...but I refuse to let it control me ever again...

So the whole point of this was to say...you're not going to do this unless You want to get better. Exercise helps make you a happier person, as does eating healthier. Do something for you to help motivate yourself. Whether you find your relationship with God again, get a puppy, or find a new job...even volunteer! Do something you love and you will be motivated to make yourself happier.

I don't have any good advice. I've tried all the things that people have said, but they don't make me feel better.

The worst thing you can do and I would suggest doing anything you can to avoid this behavior-- is look up depressing blogs, emulate severely depressed people, staying inside everyday, avoiding people when you are at your worst. When I allow myself to do these things I become detached from the care and love that others have for me and begin harmful behavior. All you have is the ability to try with being healthful, exercising everyday, reading positive messages and seeking therapy if that is an option. You can do that or you can let the depression overtake you. In the end you can say that at least you gave it a fair try, hopefully you'll be the one that said it was worth it.

Thanks for this post!!! I too suffer from depression. I am on meds that really work but during the winter - I get worse. No sun, snow and cold. We will retire south but not for 5 or so years. I want to eat, eat, eat due to boredom. I have to take baths (multiple if necessary), go in other rooms in house, get in car for drive (too bad gas is going up so high in price but... cheaper than buying new clothes!!!), walk the mall (don't bring your credit cards!!). Just get out of the place that makes you sad and want to eat.

I need more tips on this also.