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?

Talk to your GP. I'm on Effexor (20+ years and probably for life) and every time I have tried to diminish the dose I can't function anymore (no energy, feelings of despair and hopelessness, even getting up in the morning is hard work although I'm a morning person). Therapy hasn't helped me because I don't really have anything to work on, it's all physological/neurological.

Besides that I make sure to get enough sleep, exercice, eat well and not compare myself with others because we are all different.

ADs, routine, therapy, sleep. Ultimately though, divorce.

ADs are not miracle drugs, but they do help you function, which means you can then do the other stuff. Therapy to give you coping tools and if you dig enough, find the root cause.

I forgot to mention HRT. I take it mainly for joint problems but am pretty sure it helps my mood.

I listen to this chap for stuff on pain and saw he did one on depression. Not listened to it but might help https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/understanding-and-conquering-depression

Daily exercise
Journalling/gratefulness journalling (got a daily gratitude journal from Amazon)
Early bedtime
Avoid alcohol
Good food
Anti anxiety drug
Her
Group yoga, running, whatever for social contact
Seeing friends
Daily walk in nature and listen to birds (no headphones)

Sertraline - absolutely amazing for me. First two weeks are very hard and you feel awful, but once they kicked in, my life became so much more positive.

This thread might be of interest:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/AMA/5049303-i-microdose-magic-mushrooms-for-my-mental-health-ama

Prozac.
I need to correct the chemical imbalance in my brain with medication, I’ve tried everything else and still end up feeling hopeless and helpless. If I’m taking it until I die, so what? I’m able to function normally and experience joy and optimism with its help.

Sertraline, my dog, pole dancing. I also have SAD so sunshine is the biggest one.

Yes, me too . I’ve never used chatgtp and wouldn’t know where to start. I’m struggling with huge anxiety which causes a pain in my chest nearly all the time , it’s exhausting

Excercise and sewing. Much more effective than antidepressants for me.

Time.

Experience.

Knowing I have been here before means a small part of me knows that it has passed before and may pass again.

Avoiding alcohol. Forcing myself to go through the motions of cooking, cleaning, and a walk.

Hold on in there OP. It’s an awful, awful thing.

Anti depressants nearly killed me, so don’t work for everyone but I’m very pleased others have had better experiences. Anyone going down this route should be closely monitored.

Elvanse , antidepressants did absolutely nothing for my depression and anxiety. Elvanse was life changing it is only licensed for ADHD ( which I have) binge eating disorder and narcolepsy but can be prescribed off licence for depression.

I think dangerous advice for anyone

I disagree with your assessment here.

This study seems to have used two groups - one took a placebo, and the other took one of the many different medications prescribed for depression.

Therefore the result ONLY shows that that particular anti-depressant was 20% more effective than a placebo in that group of participants.

Or am I misreading?

As the thread demonstrates, different drugs affect people in different ways so it's not as simple as assuming that any one medication can stand in for all anti-depressants when testing efficacy.

Medication, always.

I had some psychotherapy as well which was somewhat helpful with other aspects of my mental health but not for depression.

Anti depressants.
Vitamin B complex and Ashwagandha, vitamins D and Magnesium.
Look at your gut health.
Keffir is great, as are foods like dates, walnuts, among others.

Becoming estranged from toxic narcissistic parents and realizing that there was actually nothing bloody wrong with me. I know it sounds strange to say that family estrangement cured me of depression but after an initial, intense grieving period ( and grief isnt depression) I haven't felt depressed since.

I think what helped me was reaching absolute rock bottom with no support from any of my family . I was homeless after my ex threw me out after cheating , partially paralysed from cancer treatment , missing my children, getting mugged on the first night I was homeless . You know what saved me ? The amazing women I found on MN that are now lifelong friends , kindness from people that hadn’t even met me . And my mindset changing knowing that I’m not a bad person and I’m actually ok just as I am xx

Mixture of things.

Being outside in daylight, whatever the weather, once a day.

Windows open for at least an hour, whatever the weather, every day.

Going to the gym/pool, especially when I really didn't feel like it, telling myself I'd just do ten minutes and I could stop...just another ten minutes and I'll stop...just another five and I'll...I feel great. The occasional nah, I really can't be doing with this, I'll go and sit in the steam room/sauna for five minutes...oh, I feel like a swim now.

Proper mindfulness meditation run by the Buddhist Centre.

Finding excuses to go on 'pointless' expeditions. Yeah, I could have bought some sushi from Tesco's or the Co-op, but a trip to a specialist supermarket selling all manner of interesting things meant being out and doing 'something' rather than being in and staying miserable. Might as well be miserable outside, get some daylight and the best strawberry daifuku I've ever tasted to eat whilst sitting outside a gallery as the sun comes out. If I was bored and miserable, well, I could do with getting a pot cover for that plant - might as well get on the bus out into the arse end of nowhere to that nursery/garden centre and come home with 5 new plants, two pot covers and a jar of local set honey.

Planning a more effective layout of particular rooms or areas, making sure things were as light and bright and fresh as possible (but be warned, this can end up with painting walls at 10pm whilst you wonder how exactly you got from a new duvet to 10l of Farrow and Ball by 12.30pm).

Human contact. Being out, doing stuff, forcing myself into situations where I'd be around people. Joining a band was the big one, but even attending a choir when really low due to a bereavement really helped, as the music provided an outlet for feelings.

Plants. So many plants. Also a good way to find something to have a conversation about with other people. See also random cooking, galleries and ridiculous decorating decisions.

And, most of all, getting shot of the ex. That meant I could do all of the things without him being there to restrict, control and to drag me and drag my mood down at every possible opportunity.

Getting my dog. I think i needed something to care for, she sensed how I felt. I got out for regular walks and led me to talking to people in the street.

Exactly. And if it's really bad I have to remind myself firmly that I'll ride it out because I always do.