What do you do about ongoing depression?

I have been depressed for years. I take meds, see docs, go to therepy, eat healthy. Nothing helps. I many times feel like hurting myself. I have never hurt myself, but the thought crosses my mind. No matter what I do, I can't shake the depression. What advice do people have to help? What do some of you do to make yourself feel better on days like this?

Someone asked about my age, I am 26 and have suffered from this depression since I was a small Child and have been on meds since I was 11. Also, I did not know they still did ECT. Does anyone know if medicare or medicaid covers that?

I"m sorry that you are suffering so much dear. I know its brutal. I have learned that we are the only ones that can make us feel good and the only ones that can make us suffer. It is up to you and you only. The meds will not help in the long term, in fact they often make things worse since the eliminate your own mind to control itself. First, stop trying to "feel good" when you aren't. It's normal and okay to feel lousy sometimes. When you feel unhappy, just say to yourself, gosh, i"m not in the best mood now, so maybe i"ll just take a nap or shut off my phone etc. The key is to let yourself alone. Most people who suffer from this so called "depression" is because the feel upset at themselves for feeling unhappy or angry. I say, if your angry, so be it. If your sad, then you're sad and so on. If you let yourself alone and accept your unhappy moments, I assure you that your brain will get so bored that it will switch to feeling happy and great. In conclusion, on a day like this, do nothing!

I don't know how old you are, but generally, if meds and talk therapy don't help you out, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) will. Basically, a neurologist attaches a probe to your left temporal area of your head (a little above and to the left of the upper most part of your left ear), and shock you with electricity. This causes you to seizure. A few sessions later, depression leaves. Very very effective, but very bad side effects (memory loss).

I hope you don't need it, but if you do, it works. Don't worry, the anesthesia the doctors give you won't allow you to feel anything.

Best of luck

We all think about hurting ourselves, and about dying. When you're depressed, consider that it may not be environmental, but systemic. Do something to cheer yourself up - go buy something.

Try CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). This helps you to think positively about things, and therefore improves your mood. Ask your Dr. about CBT...it works.

If you had a friend that could defeat any problem would you ask him to help you?

i treat myself

When I really felt like I could hurt myself I did a couple of things right away. I called a very good friend and said "Talk to me." She knew I was depressed and knew my life situation. And we talked for over an hour about her life, kids, our mutual friends. More than once doing this was a life line. I knew I had friends people who cared. Another thing I did was look in on my sleeping children. (They don't argue, quarrel, or misbehave when they are asleep.) :) They were little and needed me, I HAD to get control of this for them, I love them and so I fought hard the desire to just go to sleep and not wake up.

Here are a few other things that help.
1. Give service to others in a situation worst off than you. Look around and I'm sure you can find a way to help someone in need. Even giving someone a smile.
2. One counselor had me start a gratitude journal. I had to write 10 positive things about myself each day. And I couldn't repeat any thing more that once a week. I also was to date it so I knew I was writing in it everyday.
3. Take a walk for at least 15min. a day in the morning sunshine. 30 min. is even better if you can make the time. I also found swimming in the morning helps if I can find a place to swim.
4. If you are a person of faith pray, and read your scriptures. Attend your meetings and give service there.

These will not take place of counseling, or medication your doctor has prescribed, but to be added to.

To answer you question about Medicaid; If you are currently on Medicaid and seeing a doctor you should be able to get help. If your trying to get on Medicaid that's a bit harder because of all the different rules and each state is a little different but it is worth the try. You will need income verification and the show that you currently are in need and have no insurance. Even some who qualify can't get it.