Hi y'all! This is my first outing with a group about depression. I see some folks on here are hurting pretty bad. I've had depression all my life- not the worst form of it- but still quite a nuisance. I've definitely had times I was so low suicide crept into my consciousness. I use an antidepressant to level out the mood swings and it works pretty good.

I've found my depression really stemmed from a belief that I was helpless, fear of the world, together with self loathing. I had almost no will to forgive myself- or others. Hating on others is poisonous to the soul, and hating yourself just piles it on heavier.

First I quit drinking. Going two years sober now and never want to depend on alcohol again. I'm still beset by my illness but I feel way better about myself. Crossed out the drugs too. Then I started learning about self development and changing my routine- ushering in discipline and sticking to it!

I also turned back towards God, and he has certainly turned towards me! I've found there's a lot of different things you must do to change your daily state of consciousness, not just one or two things. One good thing to remember: it's impossible to be angry and gratefull at the same time! I haven't cured my depression, but I know how to live with it now.