Depression help without meds?

I am very depressed, but I do not believe in taking drugs. The main reason is that I have problems with a lot of drugs prescribed for me. They either do not work or work in ways that are not good. The worst was almost dying from taking lisinopril to which I had an anophalactic shock. That was bad. Some days are bad. Mostly I stay in bed and read. Other days are better and I try and do as much as I can. And so it goes.

If your living arrangements permit it, get a dog or cat. When I was 72 and my old dog had just died, and I was unwell and my husband had Alzheimer’s, I got a new puppy. Yes, a puppy. I knew I needed something to give me a reason to get up in the morning. She has been with me through my meningioma and stroke, my broken hip, my husband’s decline from Alzheimer’s and his Covid death as well as my sister’s declining health. And when she dies, if I am still in my right mind, I’ll get another dog, a small one this time which I can take with me to an assisted living facility.

@dorma It can be a vicious cycle handling both depression and chronic pain as it seems one leads to the other and in turn can disrupt sleep, which may be contributing to your fatigue.

While I see many people have offered suggestions that have worked for them, these may not necessarily apply to everyone for various reasons. Studies definitely have shown being with others can help lift spirits, especially those who share similar interests. This group helps tremendously as a place to connect virtually as do the links to websites mentioned above; so can community groups in your local area if you have access or can arrange for transportation. Some areas offer senior transport services, should you fit into such a category you may want to investigate what is available to you if you require this to get to events offered at local Y's, community centers, hospitals or colleges.

Another consideration to assist with depression, pain and sleep issues would be CBT - cognitive behavioral therapy. Is that something you have looked into?

I am taking antidepressants, but I have heard that many cannot tolerate them. What I also do is get outside as much as I can, and exercise. I also have found that either group or individual therapy helps a lot. Hopefully your doctor could recommend someone. It does take a lot of effort to do much of anything when depressed but even small attempts can give a boost. As always take it one step at a time. Try not to overdo and journaling how you feel each day can help too. Don’t give up, you’re stronger than you feel.😀

I can certainly understand how you feel. If your depression is "situational" (as opposed to actually being a chemical imbalance), the only thing that I've found is to stay active and engaged with others. After losing a grandson, son-in-law, and our older daughter, all within 7 months last year, there are days I literally have to force myself to leave the house. I also believe strongly in getting counseling when needed, something I'm also doing this year. I guess the bottom line is that it's literally "one day at a time." I hope you find what works for you.

My sweet husband does NOT want a pet of any kind. I really wanted a cat for years, but now I don't have the stamina to care for one, so I've tossed that idea. I never know what I can do until I get up in the mornings.

I wish you a better life. I count my blessings even more.

Thank you. I wish you the best.

I have not. My doctors seem to be stuck on injection procedures. I've had many; they do not help, except the SI injection, and it lasted only 18 days. One told me I was too old for anything more. Recently, they added severe stenosis to my list---suggested back surgery; I said No.

I think I would like to try counseling, but have not found one yet: I am skeptical about them. I don't know anything about CBT. I guess I need to do more research, about both.

Thank you for your interest.

Prayer is a given, for sure...and thank you.

I think that those of us who responded gave suggestions from what works for us. But you are the best judge of what is possible and not possible for you. Best wishes on your way forward