Ways that I Deal with Depression

I have dealt with depression all of my life. I am a head injury survivor. The ways in which I deal with depression are: I take walks, I go jogging, I go see a movie, I laugh a lot, I watch comedy.

One of the things that I cannot do, is focus on gloom and doom. I have been down that road before, and I almost let it kill me. One of the things that is very important to me is taking responsibility for my own life. I am in control of my thoughts and actions. When I get depressed, I'm still in control; I'm just not thinking clearly.

I need the professional help of a doctor to help me with medication to help me control my moods. I know that when I get depressed, it's very hard to function. Sometimes, I can't even get out of bed. Let alone, live a productive life.

The medical community has come a long way in it's treatment of depression. I, for one, can lead a somewhat productive life today. I accept personal responsibility for my thoughts and actions. I know what the triggers are that set me off and I know when I have to get away from certain things.

I see a doctor on a regular basis for treatment of depression. Sometimes, the medications stop working for depression and it's at this time, that I know it is time for me to go to the hospital. I have been hospitalized three times for depression which were all self admitted. At all three times, they changed my medication.

Recently, my doctor has changed the medication with me not having to be hospitalized. I am learning what works and what doesn't. Living with depression is not a death sentence. The ways of coping have been researched and explored.

Here is what I do to prevent myself from getting depressed: I surround myself with positive people, I read positive things, I listen to the world around me and try to learn the best way that I can. I'm always in a process of self development. Life is about learning and growing as an individual. I laugh as much as possible and I try to see the bright side of things.