Can you beat anxiety/depression without taking medication?

I'm so confused. One one hand, I think maybe I have legit reasons to be nervous/unhappy some of the time, but my life has not really been a life for so many years now I'm thinking maybe there is something wrong with me.

I think so, maybe try working out.

Only a doctor or medical professional can advise you of that. have you sought help?

I've heard of people who deal with depression by working out. I'm going to try to soon.

I have tried therapy, but it's so hard for me to open up. I'm embarrassed to admit a lot of things.

I don't think you should be embarrassed if you need to talk to a specialist. There's nothing shameful about trying to be the best you.They're also professionals, so they are trained for everything you need to tell them.

You should try working out. Maybe that will exert your energy and relax you more. You will also feel more productive.

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It depends. Some people can work it out, but if it is a chemical imbalance and severe, probably not. I have major anxiety and depression, I have had it my whole life, but was diagnosed at age 16. I will most likely need meds the rest of my life. I feel so normal on what I am taking, but without anything, I get very sick. I do still have both somewhat, especially anxiety, but it is better than when I had both the worst. I have to switch every so many years b/c they quit working after so many years, and some I have tried dont work. I keep up with my doctor to make sure everything is fine. When I found him, I actually cried with relief b/c I finally found someone who understood. I found out it is genetic, several people in my family had it. If it is b/c of a certain reason, you may not need meds. But I get that way for no reason. It helps me to talk to my psychiatrist, and I used to go to therapy for years. It was hard at first to talk about stuff, but it is no big deal now. You may want to talk to a therapist, thats how I found out I had to take meds. Therapy just wasnt working.

I don't want to go into my life story, but I'll be honest. I don't even really know if I should be happy or if my life sucks. I don't know if I should just be grateful that I can walk, can see, can hear, have a roof over my head, etc., or look at all the things I miss out on. I have such severe anxiety and low self-esteem that I avoid going out, pursuing relationships, working to pursue my dreams, etc. It's been that way for so many years, and now I feel like even though I'm not old-old, I'm too old to do a lot of the things I always wanted to.

Maybe you shld speak to someone and get help...just my 2 cents.  I have been depressed before and for me crying alot helped.  I was also suicidal but came out of it by praying (it was a long process though) and even had my  bro and frens who counselled me.  My faith in God also helped me alot.  I never resorted to taking medicine cos I was very in the box...(like didnt knw the world and about medication).  A change of job really change me too.  Its never too late to seek help.  Dun be shy just decide to do it and get it done.

I think there is a big difference between being unhappy or being in a rut and having true clinical depression.  I would try working out, having a different mindset (trying to be more positive and trying your best to make life fun/happy), eating better, etc.  If that doesn't work and improve your mood, talk to a doctor.

Yes you can, but I would meet with your doctor first so that they can offer guidance and monitor your progress.

I agree.  

I also find exercise helps with alleviating depression and anxiety.
 

Originally Posted by internetchick /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Yes you can, but I would meet with your doctor first so that they can offer guidance and monitor your progress.

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Originally Posted by xjackie83 /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I think there is a big difference between being unhappy or being in a rut and having true clinical depression.  I would try working out, having a different mindset (trying to be more positive and trying your best to make life fun/happy), eating better, etc.  If that doesn't work and improve your mood, talk to a doctor.

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I agree!

SAD or mild depressive episodes can be "self-treated" (working out, talking to friends, meditating, praying etc etc) by some people, but I think it would very very hard to kind of pull yourself out of actual depression with no meds and/or psychotherapy

I would speak to a qualified doctor to make sure you are in fact depressed.

If you choose not to take prescribed medication, you can still be monitored by a physician.

As far as I know, no one at MUT is a physician so we can't give any medical advise.

Just a thought:

One thing though - so many people are willing to fight "depression" with out at least talking to a physician.

If I had a serious leg injury, I would be seeking medical guidance.

So why wouldn't I treat a potential chemical imbalance with the same importance.

I am depressed in periods and that is the backside of my creativity. 

If what's holding you back from talking to a therapist is the fact that you are embarrassed by your issues, DON'T BE!  Trust me, these people have heard it all!  And it's not like you're going to a friend or relative who might be prone to passing judgment.  The main goal is to help you get it all out and offer some non judgmental fresh insight on figuring out what is making you feel so unhappy and what you can do to change that.

When my mind starts racing with anxiety I get mny running shoes on, grab my headphones and ipod and just walk/jog/run  It helps SO much.  I think of what is making me upset and use that as fuel to work out my fears and frustrations.  Pretty soon your mind is completely clear and you did something good for you at thr same time.

You'll be ok...don't be scared to take the first step. 

Yes, i think you can. The only limit is yourself, so don't let any prejudice cloud your judgement. Everyday, i try to see everything in a positive way, or see the positive in each situation. It may sound fake, but at some point it also becomes a natural protection against the world, so that you're not subjected to it.

Bear in mind depression is a sickness, for which medical help exists and works, so don't be ashamed if you feel you need to talk to someone. Doctors aren't here to judge you, they're here to help you, and if it is necessary, prescribe medication to help.

I recently started talking to a therapist for stress, believe me, don't be embarrassed. I'd say talk to a lady if it makes you feel more comfortable.

As far as healing without medication, yes I think it's entire curable through talk therapy if your having actual stress in your life. If you have an imbalance it won't work, that requires medication.

I think you can and I agree with everyone's advice.  If it is environmental and not chemical, you can talk to a therapist to help you determine the cause of your depression or anxiety.  They will provide you with exercises to work on and think about.  If it is chemical imbalance then you will need medication.  Start with talking to a therapist. If you have an EAP program at work, its free and you should take advantage of that service. 

St John's Wort is supposed to help light depression and also light therapy with full spectrum light will lift your spirits.  I have one and I can feel the difference when I put that light on for 15 minutes.  Exercise will also help especially something outside.  It could be a short walk or light job or just doing some gardening to take you away from your thoughts for a while.