To ask what actually helped you recover from depression?

[ThisDenimCat]

I’ve struggled with clinical depression on and off since my teens, but for the past few years I’ve been doing really well - enjoying life, working towards my goals, and feeling free of depression.

But since around December 2024, I’ve been experiencing a significant depressive episode that I just can’t seem to shake. I’ve tried all the usual things - eating well, getting enough sleep, taking supplements like omega-3 and Vitamin D - but every day still feels like a battle. I have no motivation, and I’m not finding any joy in the things that used to make me happy. The frustrating part is that, on paper, my life is actually pretty good.

So AIBU to ask: if you’ve struggled with depression and managed to get it under control, what helped you? How did you do it?

Antidepressants. When they had started to work I could access therapy which worked for me.

The combination of the two got me into a position where I was stable and had a tool box to better help me cope. In my case I was able to come off the antidepressants and so far haven’t needed them since. I use a lot of mindfulness now and I am much more aware of my own feelings and what I need.

I may well need the help of tablets or therapy again in the future but for now it’s working.

Honestly, medication. I’d struggled for years doing all the non-medical stuff but the antidepressants are the best thing I’ve decided to do. I still feel like me but can cope so much better and wish I’d tried them years ago.

Exercise and getting out in to (wild) areas - by the sea, up in the hills etc.

Realizing that in the grand scheme of the world, I'm totally irrelevant. Its humbling and helps me get rid of intrusive thoughts.

Good coffee in a cozy coffee shop whenever I feel up to it.

I've learnt to ride it out. I know it'll pass and in the meantime I try and be kind to myself and go for small wins. Oh and constant medication.

Honestly, I think it was getting a dog. Of course, having a dog meant I had to get out and about more and have more of a routine so that undoubtedly would have helped too, but I honestly think my dog saved me. She’s certainly changed my life for the better.

Antidepressants, at the right dose, got me to the stage where I could benefit from therapy.

Over the next 2 years they got me through leaving my partner, getting a job & several house moves.

It’s been 11 years now but if I thought I needed them again I’d be at the GP’s in a heartbeat.

Citalopram (lifelong)

And getting another medical issue fixed

Antidepressants.

I had PND after a traumatic 4th trimester. I started getting more sleep, the main factor I'd blamed on my depression and after 4 months I still felt suicidal so figured it wasn't going away without proper help

Exercise for me. It's hard to get started, but once you get into a routine it comes so much easier. Has to be quite vigorous Exercise where I can't overthink. Anything that breaks the train of everyday thinking and helps the relaxation response to kick in.

This is very interesting. Did you find it easy to come off when you felt you were doing well without them?

Sertraline and then counselling

Sertraline, i am so so so thankful it exists.

I did a five day fast and it really improved my mental health. I did it for other reasons but I was amazed how all anxiety and depression disappeared.

Medication, dogs and getting rid of the abusive husband.

I don’t think any amount of eating well, sleeping well, walking or vitamins will lift a major depressive disorder.

For me in was medication. The first few antidepressants didn’t work for me but the third one I tried was the one that improved my mental health considerably. As others have said, they enabled me to access other services.

What did the fasting involve? I would be interested in doing similar

Sertraline.Getting rescue cats. I seem to end up with the odd, really timid ones so I have to be calm and softly spoken round them. Seeing them interacting with each other and chirping happily is always lovely.
Some simple CBT in counselling. A big thing is swimming for me. Especially first thing. Even when I would absolutely want to stay in bed all day (especially then)
I just make sure I have my bags packed. (One for indoor, one for outdoor) And make sure I go. Even if I hate the idea of going out I tell myself "ten minutes is better than none". I might not feel any better after (very rare) but I still did it and I know it'll be easier the next day to do it.

Was this on the advice of a healthcare professional?

Counselling did help for me - talking therapies / CBT kind of stuff. Although when you unpick it all, it can get worse before it gets better.

Also, growing things (in the garden for me, but I'm sure community gardening/ allotments would be even better). In some ways, it's a bit like previous posters with dogs. It forces you outside regularly, makes you feel responsible for something, and you're proud of the effect of your hard work.

Hoping you find something that works for you x

I have never been diagnosed but pretty sure I struggle with depression. Also have chronic pain which contributes.

Things that help me are exercise, sleep, warm baths, various supplements including B12 which someone here suggested and I am pretty sure has helped. Helping others helps me a lot.

Spending time with friends is hugely beneficial but if I am honest I often look for excuses not to meet them but I have a rule - always agree to meeting a friend!

Thank you for sharing - how long did that usually take for you? I was hoping to ride it out in December / January but now it’s April without much improvement

Antidepressants (citalopram - probably lifelong) supportive friends, family & GPs.
A hobby (sport) that I love.

Antidepressants. To be honest I was so ill that even something as mundane as having to wash a few dishes seemed like a huge task, and I'd just lay in bed and cry. The ADs were the key to getting me well enough to be able to function and then to get some therapy.

Thank you for all of the helpful replies - just reading through them all now. I did try antidepressants 10+ years ago, I can’t even remember what exact drug they were, but I had horrible side effects so didn’t persevere. Wondering if I should speak to my GP about trying a different type

Oh wow. Can you give a bit more detail please?