Heather, do you take any meds to help?

I suffer schizoaffective disorder which is schizophrenia plus major depression as well and the things I do to get through the day involves waking up and helping someone at work since I work at Walmart I help many customers and it makes me feel good even just saying hi you look good today to someone like my mom or dad sister or brother or friend or whatever it helps too because I made someone else happy also I take medication which also helps with all my mental illnesses medication is the main important thing to take and do for yourself!

Thanks for responding! I am currently on Celexa. I have not responded to most antidepressants that I've tried which is beyond frustrating. And two the second poster, thanks for sharing your tips! It sounds like you're so strong. :)

Have you had your thyroid tested? If I know anything about my issues, thyroid problems can show the same symptoms as depression. Additionally, most doctors don't test for the right things with thyroid. You need a specialist.

Sometimes I look for anything that I can get done. Even if it is small like getting dressed or raking leaves outside. It helps me feel better, and can lead me to doing more, interacting more with people, etc.

I agree with these guys. Little steps, small things and small accomplishments are what make the really bad days pass. Hugs and welcome. <3

Some good advice here...

I have suffered with the big D for 22 years but only admitted it to my self back in 2008...that was when I found this site and it has really helped me to the extent that I highly recommend it as a coping mechanism...

As for meds, I started with Zoloft back in 2012...it was changed to something else about 3 years ago and then last year it was changed to Celexa...but I don't take it because it makes me feel like crap AND gives me migraine!!!

Thanks everyone!!! Yes I have an issue with my thyroid so I'm currently on synthroid, hoping that will make a bit of a difference but I'm only on 50mcg for now :(

Hi Heather--- Sometimes I have to break things down into smaller jobs. For instance today I was feeling like I just could not go to the store without my husband to pick up a few things. I couldn't think my way through it and also felt like I didn't have the energy. So then I told myself to just get a couple of the things and worry about the rest later. Once I gave myself permission to only do a little bit instead of all of it I was actually able to do it all!

Hello Heather. Welcome to the group. You will find that this place is a great outlet and also a great way to find the support you need.
There are so many things you can do to deal with depression and none of them are easy. But let me tell you something which you probably already know. You already gave the first step out of the dark hole which is depression. You WANT to get better. I remember when I was diagnosed with clinical depression and I realized I just didn't care anymore. Nothing can help you when you are in that moment. You first need to care to want to get better. You are already there so give yourself a pat on the back for that one and smile at yourself in the mirror because of this amazing milestone.
So what other things do you need to start this long journey?
1- Keep in mind and accept that you have a problem that YOU can solve. Nobody is to blame not even you and nobody can solve it except you.
2- Start an exercise regimen. Not soft exercise. Not working my way up to strong exercise. but STRONG/drop dead/beast mode exercise from the moment you start. When you feel you can't go on that's when you activate your inner strength and push through the pain. If you feel the pain the next day say to yourself "This is the pain I want. The pain that makes me stronger not the pain that makes me weak." You will never see a face of depression on someone at the gym working out hard.
3- Schedule your day and motivate yourself to follow a schedule. In your schedule include work, time with people (although it is hard and exhausting sometimes) and time to yourself. (EXERCISE TOO OF COURSE)
4- Start a new hobby or anything that will occupy your down time. Something that will make you happy. Learn a new language, a sport, a trade, go back to college, a new career, a masters degree, WHATEVER.
5- Self-assuring moments in front of the mirror. Talk to yourself like you are your own best friend every time you feel down and even when you don't. Make it a habit. (Even if this sounds stupid it works) Look deep into your own eyes and say things like "Today I am here for you. I will not let you fall. You will be strong today because you are worth so much. You are amazing and you deserve to be happy." Smile at yourself and love yourself.
6- Socialize. Even if it is just a little at a time but talk to others. Strike up a conversation with a stranger and see where that leads. Talk to old friends. etc...
7- I love doing this one: DO CHARITY. Anything you can find that is unselfish and helps others. Make backpacks for the homeless. Go to a soup kitchen. Work in a homeless shelter. Buy coffee for the poor and deliver it to where they are. ANYTHING... you will find that these actions are very rewarding.
8- Therapy. Very important and keeps you on track.
9- Journaling. Write down all you feel every day.
10- LOVE EVERYONE AND SMILE. Even if it is a fake smile. Smile at everyone and convince everyone you are ok. (Except the one or two people you have in your inner circle) Most people pour their hearts out to anyone who will lend an ear. DON'T! Instead let everyone think you are doing great and when you see your greatness in the reflections of others you will start to feel it too.

GOOD LUCK (these are just my two cents on the subject and what worked for me) BIG HUG

I agree with everything lonelywolf says above but also: book in time to be a blithering mess. If you know you can be a blithering mess all day sunday every week, it actually helps. You need to push yourself, but you also need the corresponding down time.

Sleep is vital. Vitamins and minerals, a healthy diet - they are necessary too. Try to avoid sweets and cakes because the sugar can be unhelpful. Drink lots of water. When I go through a bad depressive phase I might drink as little as 600mls of water a day without realising it. this adds to the cycle of despair as my brain can't function properly.

Beauty: fill your life with beauty. if your house is a bit ho hum... do one room. Make it pretty from the walls to the floor. Clean, sparkly, beautiful. Wash dust off any figurines, wash the lampshade, make it all clean and beautiful even if you do five minutes in ad breaks between mindless tv shows.

Find things that bring you pleasure and joy, even if only from an op shop, and make that room pretty. You HAVE to have beauty around you to cope with depression. Once you have one space created, make that space expand.