5 Ways to Fight Your Depression

First off, these ideas are "helpers" they are not going to get you off medication(unless you are really lucky). Medication is important for those who need it, but it's usually not enough to help you cope optimally.

1. Cold Showers. Yes, it sound like torture, but it isn't. Start with a regular shower and at the end, slowly turn off the hot water until the water is cool. Then try to stand there while making the water increasingly cold. It's helpful to have a reasonably warm average temp bathroom and keep the windows closed in winter. Work your showers up to the point where you can get into a cool shower and increase it to cold.

There are lots of people who have found the secret of cold showers for depression, it may be it increases the circulation, or shocks you out of your fog, whatever it is it's certainly a cheap and potentially very helpful idea.

2. Take a good multivitamin. This is common sense for everyone, but it's even more important if you take meds. Medication taxes the liver and may deplete vitamins.

3. Fish Oil. There are studies showing fish oil helps depression. Start with one pill and work yourself up to whatever is suggested dose on the bottle. Keep the opened bottle in the fridge.

4. Read. Peel yourself away from the TV and read, newspapers, novels, mysteries, etc. Keeping your mind active is very important, since depression slows your thinking.

5. Get a pet. BUT ONLY if you will take care of it. A dog is ideal, especially since you will need to walk it and get exercise. A cat is great too, especially if you are physically compromised. If you can't handle a high maintenance pet, try a guinea pig or even a hamster. Pets can be a tremendous help and comfort to those suffering from depression and loneliness (a common symptom of depression). Pets give so much comfort and expect little, and they accept you for who you are. Taking care of a pet will also keep you going.

Do some or all of these ideas, whatever you can, even if it's just taking a vitamin-it's a start.