How to cure depression?

i think my depression is just normal. my MS depresses me, and can also cause depression. my early binge/purge dysmorphic attitude towards my life, cutting, like that, were all mixed together. thank goodness i got older & stopped doing things like that. no more illegal drugs, coming down was extremely depressing.

any antidepressants i was ever given all made my MS symptoms worse, so stopped them all, slowly weaned myself off.

best cure for depression? coffee, walking or scooting (as i can't really walk safely outside anymore) in fresh air, reading or rereading a book you love, watching a movie or tv show you love, dancing if you can, get your blood going... just moving around might help. don't forget the coffee. a legal drug. with milk, you can taste the coffee better with some milk. best of luck & a happy, healthy new year, oh, ice cream. eat some ice cream, your favorite flavor.

Hi Shelia, it's an interesting question. My form of depression is supposedly temporary in nature. However, no one has ever used the word "cure" in relation to my treatment. At worst, my PHQ-9 was in the twenties and now down under 5. I am monitored by a social worker with monthly check-ins.

I would have to disagree with those who say medications are not helpful. They are, but reactions vary. I had some bad experiences when I was on two anti-depressants at the same...overmedicated.

For me, talking to a therapist has been so helpful. She is phenomenal.

Also, journaling helps. I started to do that before I just broke down in July, 2022. I look back on those notes and have been amazed where my mind was and how I felt.

I exercise a lot. I do go to a lot of social activities. There are group hikes in my area, top-rope climbing, book clubs, volleyball. Next for me is tai chi. What I don't do is sit still.

Are there moments where I am depressed? Yes, I get very sad at times. Usually a triggering event. The last time was Christmas morning at 2:00 a.m. I went downstairs and wrote about it. The theme was love. I missed love in my life. I realized I did not love myself. I realized I will never truly come out of my depression until I address this. All along I have let others own my feelings (how I should feel about others and myself), but this was not good for me.

I would say it was a breakthrough because I finally expressed it. My next venture is to find love for myself and a love that will sustain my purpose in life. I am not necessarily talking romance as much as just finding a passion to embrace. A tall order but I think I am up for it.

So true about the coffee with milk. I tried it, and love the flavor enhancement!

Thanks!

I read through this with great interest. I commend those of you truly working on your depression. Maybe that didn't come out sounding right. Those that will take a step and continue. I don't have depression but my husband does. I do try to understand and be tolerant but it is extremely difficult at times. He was a workaholic, which did keep his depression under somewhat control. When he retired 10 years ago it has become increasingly worse. He has tried some treatments, CBT, talk therapy, iop, meds , even shock therapy. He just chalks it up to being treatment resistant and says I just don't understand. I see him as going through the motions but not actually doing the work. Reading up on depression does give me insight and better understanding. Especially to read your first hand accounts. I never wanted to be a caregiver or in charge but his procrastination, not taking responsibility and detachment have made life so difficult. I feel that it is impossible to make some wins for both of us. When I have tried being supportive his depression is able to turn that into a negative. I'd like whatever input, tips, insights anyone can give me. We have done couples therapy. We were told [6 years ago] that until my husband can get a better hold on his depression that the couples therapy wasn't really getting us anywhere.

@crabby55
I am 80 years old and have struggled with depression since I was 16. I have had many medications and treatments. When I worked, I had purpose. When I retired, I lost my purpose for living and sank like a rock. I made a half-hearted attempt at suicide and was hospitalized. Here is what keeps me going: being with other people, volunteer work and my dog. I belong to three groups, so I force myself to participate. I volunteer at a food kitchen so I see people in much worse condition than I. I walk my dog three times a day so I have to get out. My dog loves me, no matter what.. Depression does not go away. It is a life-long struggle. A part-time job is an excellent idea. Godspeed.

I read through this with great interest. I commend those of you truly working on your depression. Maybe that didn't come out sounding right. Those that will take a step and continue. I don't have depression but my husband does. I do try to understand and be tolerant but it is extremely difficult at times. He was a workaholic, which did keep his depression under somewhat control. When he retired 10 years ago it has become increasingly worse. He has tried some treatments, CBT, talk therapy, iop, meds , even shock therapy. He just chalks it up to being treatment resistant and says I just don't understand. I see him as going through the motions but not actually doing the work. Reading up on depression does give me insight and better understanding. Especially to read your first hand accounts. I never wanted to be a caregiver or in charge but his procrastination, not taking responsibility and detachment have made life so difficult. I feel that it is impossible to make some wins for both of us. When I have tried being supportive his depression is able to turn that into a negative. I'd like whatever input, tips, insights anyone can give me. We have done couples therapy. We were told [6 years ago] that until my husband can get a better hold on his depression that the couples therapy wasn't really getting us anywhere.