how to cope with depression without using ADs

[confusedmamma]

I know I'm quite depressed at the moment.My symptopms are classic. not sleeping, tearful, lethargic, don't want to see anyone etc etc.It's actually getting worse. I really don't want to use anti-depressants because I'm scared of getting addicted and I feel as if my depression is a natural reaction to sad events. My husband and I have split up, I can't work so very little money and I am mourning only having one child.I am 43 now and I will not have another. Can someone help me get out of this without AD 's ? PLease

some drs can refer you for cognitive behavioural therapy that may help

Go and see your GP and at least get on list for some talking therapy/CBT.

Agree AD's are a scary prospect, but a low dose can do wonders and take the edge off while you get your head together. I would have been on and off in 3 months, but unfortunately my dad died unexpectedly and I felt it better to stay on for another couple of months while I got over it.

Honestly didn't find them addictive and I don't have much willpower either.

I dont think ADs are addictive. But its your call. I agree that CBT can be very helpful.

I have tried some talking therapy and it did help. That was earlier this year. I' ll go back and try it again. Has anyone tried anything dietry ? I know exercise helps, but how do you get yourself going. I went on my cross-trainer and cried so much I got off again. Yes, as you can imagine, weight is also a big issue here. I feel that no matter how hard I work, how hard I try I will never get what I want, which is all quite simple really a child and a decent bloke who loves me and who I can love in return. I feel as if I have wasted the best years of my life and can't get rid of this pessimism. I feel desperate.

My Dr said exercise works wonders - he said it releases the same chemicals that are in a lot of AD's. If you are down it can be difficult to get round to it though

a good diet can help for sure, and summer is a great time to get into some nice salads. Fresh air can help too. As can a list of affordable mini-treats to work through, to help more positive thinking and reduce stress: anything from a candlelit bath, to reading a trashy novel.

Even if you are down, you'll have a good idea of things from before to help lift your spirits.

Do go and see your counsellor though, when I had a slight relapse I got it back together with talking therapy vs drugs.

Hi, can understand your concerns over ADs although many of them are not addictive, I have taken both Sertraline and cipralex and found them relatively easy to come off, although now I am taking a herbal remedy called 5-HTP which you can get from Holland and Barratt and works a bit like ADs I believe,I have found them to be pretty good, been taking for 5 months now