Creative treatment for depression?

I think a teenager can treat their own depresion by expirimenting with various things. They can't just listen to their peers or they'll almost certainly end up in trouble (or at least remain unhappy). For me, I never went to anybody, therapist, parents, friends. I just keept it all inside and dealt with it through random activitits. Those included walking around town, talking to myself, thinking about philosophy, and doing lsd. now, despite my high school failures, i am entering college and use my deppresion for creative purposes (drawing). I'm really starting to live a life that fufils me. Does anyone else agree that kids should fight deppression on their own?

I'm very glad for you. Given that your life fulfills you, I take it that you're not depressed anymore, and that's always great to hear. Most of those activities you mentioned are good against depression: the exercise (walking) and having an intellectual pursuit (philosophy). [From a purely psychological standpoint I doubt that the LSD did you any favors in the long term, but I would never make a moral judgment on how a depressed person seeks relief.]

As for what kids "should" do to fight depression, I think their only duty is to fight it *aggressively*, and in general that means seeking outside help. The duty is to themselves and their loved ones because depression can shorten lives by, let's face it, suicide.

If the person wants to try fighting it alone, and it works, fantastic. But if it's not working after a reasonable (short) amount of time, I think the person owes it to himself/herself to seek outside intervention, whether it be counseling, therapy, medication, or otherwise. The risks associated with undertreated depression are just too much to allow it to continue. Source(s): Cognitive Science student

The general teenager? Yes, because what most teenagers describe as 'severe depression' is really just mild depression mixed in with some raging hormones and teen angst. It is important for children like this to learn ways to deal with their emotions in order for them to become functioning members of society. This is particially why it is reccomended that teenagers go through therapy instead of being put on medication. Whether these children do it on their own or with the suppot of others really depends on their personality type. You sound like you may be a little more introspective and prefer being alone more than most.

Then there is the teen that isn't just being dramatic. The teen who realizes the difference between depression that can be treated with St. John's Wort, a creative outlet and therapy and actually being depressed. Teens like this do need to fight harder, but certainly not on their own. A problem like this almost always requires professional help.
No, I think that anyone (regardless of age) that has concerns about their mental health should talk to a doctor about it. It doesn't hurt just to talk or bring it up .
No. One should be aware of their problem and proactive with their treatment. Depression is horrible and is difficult to fight. Any support helps. Not hinders.
They should at least give the natural treatments for depression at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris... on page 2 a good tryout, for several weeks. These include relaxation techniques, occupational therapy, brain nutrient supplementation, exercise, and acupressure, along with many others. My friends have told me, from personal experience, that LSD, and other hallucinogens, like magic mushrooms, (psilocybin) or peyote, (mescaline) REALLY DO CAUSE FLASHBACKS. These can be fatal, if occuring when driving, or working when up a ladder, etc.
If it is true depression, the things you mention might help some, but will not do the trick. Depression usually remits from time to time, getting more chronic as you ge older. If you are functioning without help, you probably do not have major depression - your depression is mild.