How To Beat Depression As Fast As Possible

Let’s get one thing straight from the start:  Beating severe depression is not just something you can accomplish in an a day or a week – or in some cases, a year. While Sadness may be the crack in the sidewalk that occasionally trips you up, Depression is that big bully on the corner that you try to walk by every day on your way around town.

You may be able to avoid him for a while, but if you ever want to stop living in fear, you’ll need to face up to him and take your lumps- while figuring out a way to drive him off for good.

There are many schools of thought on how to overcome depression:

  • Some say it’s merely a matter of thinking positively.

  • Others tell you it’s time to see an analyst.

  • That talking head on TV says it’s all in the genes.

  • Your mother-in-law swears by herbal medicines- while your spouse swears at them.

  • Your minister tells you it’s a matter of prayer.

  • Transcendental meditation and yoga are your neighbor’s ultimate cure.

  • The guy at the shop credits beer with keeping him sane.

  • Then there’s the secretary at work who pops codeine tabs like there’s no tomorrow- or consequences.

So, what’s the answer?

Oddly enough, all of the above, depending on who you are and how you grew up, etc., etc., etc. All those things aside, though, just as there is more than one answer to a problem, so are there different ways to beat depression. And while it may not be easy, it can be safe and done in a way that meets your needs.

For those who are suffering from “chemical” (or physiologically-caused) depression, a combination of medication and therapy may be the only answer. But for those folks who are diagnosed with mild or moderate depression, there may be another way.

If you want to seek a cure without the aid of medication, there’s cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Known to be at least as effective as antidepressants (if not more so), CBT offers- no, demands- full participation on the patient’s part.

Working together with his or her therapist, the patient learns how to become cognizant of their thoughts, feelings and actions. Given to understand that thoughts are where all pleasure and pain start, the patient can craft a plan for learning how to anticipate the next crisis and head it off. It is one of the most empowering methods of self-control the psychiatric community has to offer, and use of CBT as a therapy intervention continues to grow.

Suppose your doctor tells you that you are not depressed yet, but could be if you don’t make some lifestyle changes, and soon. What should you do?

Many of the signs of depression exist both before and after it has settled into one’s body and mind. Take insomnia, for example.

To get a better night’s rest, try to exercise regularly, go to bed at a scheduled time, and avoid caffeinated beverages and foods. Read something calming (or even boring) when lying in bed. And whatever you do, don’t watch the latest slasher flick and expect to fall asleep any time soon. Also, check out herbal sleep aids like Valerian or melatonin. They can help if you’re willing to give them a chance.

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Not only is alcohol hard on your body, it is a depressant as well. There’s a reason why you feel like garbage wrapped in skin after a night out with the girls- or boys. It’s your body telling you to start treating it better, or they’ll be hell to pay. Hangovers and depression go together like Jack and Daniels.

Go to confession. Regardless of your religious affiliation, sometimes there’s nothing like a good session of bare-your-soul. Whether it’s to a minister, pastor, bishop, bartender, total stranger, or even someone you have offended- or not forgiven- confession is good for the soul.

Start eating better. Cut down on the sugar. Include some multi-vitamins in your diet.

Is you living space a Visual Clutter museum? Watch your anxiety melt away as you rearrange your dining room, bedroom and closets. Not only is it exercise, but restoring order is fulfilling and absorbing.

Avoid addictive drugs and sleep aids. Besides beating up on your liver, but they can give you an artificially induced feeling of goodwill- a condition that can turn on you the next morning in an ugly way.

And don’t forget one of the greatest mood-lifters of all time: Service! Get out of yourself by serving others. Volunteer at the Humane Society. Join a church choir. Plant some trees on Arbor day. It’s almost always better to do something for someone else than to do something to yourself.

In the end, though, no amount of dieting and exercise and good karma can ultimately heal those afflicted with severe depression. Some people will be on medications for the rest of their lives- but enjoying a quality of life they never could have in any other way.

But for those with less debilitating mood problems, there are non-medicinal ways to cope with, and rise above, the stress and anxiety that seems to saturate this world we live in. Educate yourself. Then go out and find the best road for you.