How do you manage depression?

[Suzzz1988]

I think I’m possibly depressed, I don’t feel like myself and haven’t for a long time, I’m burnt out, low energy and just don’t have any zest for life. I will make an appointment with the GP but first I want to know what I can do, is there anything you found works? I’m not against medication but I would like to try natural ways first (I don’t want to offend anyone with that, it’s just I was on anti anxiety medication for 8 years, I really needed it and it really helped but I also struggled with it). What makes the biggest difference? Or is it medication? Yoga? Running? Walking? Meditation? Grateful for any help ❤️

I've struggled with depression on and off the past 15 years, sometimes Sertraline has helped take the edge off. Currently, due to perimenopause, I have been prescribed a low dose of HRT as I'm only in my mid 40s and find this is actually helping my mood quite a bit. Other things that really do help me when feeling burnt out and low in mood include making time to go on long walks, sounds too simple but lots of fresh air and exercise really helps, especially with a friend who is willing to listen or just walk in companionable silence if needed. Also saying no to extra demands, without feeling guilty. I'm a terrible people pleaser, which gets me tying myself in knots at times, so it's something I'm still trying to learn. Also, just pace yourself and be as kind to yourself as you would he be to a good friend who was struggling.

That’s really helpful, thank you ❤️. I’m a people pleaser too as find it hard to say no, particularly at work. I look around and everyone else seems fairly laid back and I’m drowning, I do need a better balance. I like the long walk idea with a friend, I have become more distant from friends and going out less, not on purpose, I’ve just become a bit more of a homebody, I love my home and I feel best when at home, though it might not necessarily be good for my mental well being ..!

@Suzzz1988 I don't know if you are into meditation but I found the app Insight Timer great. You have talks, meditation, breathing exercises.

Getting out in nature, on your own. Can you go for a walk alone and just breathe in everything. Listen to the birds, feel the wind.

I love to do this in remote places alone. Connecting with nature ❤️ no people.

sleep and exercise

I do have an app called Headspace which is brilliant for getting me to sleep, it has daily meditation on there, I just need to make the time to tap into it, it only asks for 3 minutes of my time as a minimum but I struggle to keep it up

I tried that. I preferred Insight because you have a wider range of topics and can access talks or even little challenges where you listen to a therapist and they give you exercises to do ( usually breathing related or thinking related). I think I had to pay to subscribe for extra features but was worth it.

I agree ref exercise also. Good food and exercise.