Coping Methods

[watkins]

Coping mechanisms are good to have, but it's important to understand what they're meant to do. Depression is a symptom, a manifestation of your emotions that is meant to communicate that there's a problem in your life. You can treat the symptom, but without identifying the problem or root of the depression and addressing it, those feelings don't go away and it becomes increasingly more difficult to cope with them each time they resurface. Having good coping mechanisms will save your life, but you understand yourself and your condition better than anyone. You should know whether or not the depression you're experiencing is temporary or more permanent. Don't settle for learning how to cope with feelings of depression, hopelessness, or worthlessness, because that's just a temporary solution and you're doing nothing more than treating the symptoms to a bigger problem.

I couldnt agree more. Without going on a rant, I did not mean this thread to be about people covering up their problems as this is certainly more unhealthy than using a coping mechanisms. You must identify the root cause of the problem and sort it out, otherwise you will go nowhere - that is why I am a strong believer in those with bipolar/depression trying to avoid medicine as this does not address the issue at hand.

I would say that a lot of the time the root cause is yourself. Or at least it was with me. My mindset was so shit and I constantly blamed other people for issues that were ultimately caused by myself. I had to take some responsibility for my actions which is a hell of a lot easier to say than to do. I also found that small things like smoking (stoptober) were becoming a crutch and I was dependant on certain things which was not the way to be.

Groups were very helpful as due to my 'mindset' and blame I didnt particularly feel like interacting with people and became very withdrawn from what you might call society - again this was not the right way to go about solving my issues but as some of you may know - you just dont care what other people think or what you 'should' do. However, my sports club were great at involving me and I also went to a couple specifically gay groups to see like minded people. Both were great, and it is always healthy to meet new people as I said before. I think that people underestimate the value of good nutrition, health and exercise as if you feel better day to day because of this then it is a step in the right direction and can really help change your mindset.

Venting is SO good. You just need someone to do it to! There are always phone numbers to all where you can just talk to someone - dont even have to tell them your name. Try supportline!

Depending on how you feel, I personally would not say that there is one cure for all. It is a matter of small steps in the right direction and the amalgamation of these samll steps can ersult in a transormed life. By realistic with yourself as denial is the most powerful factor in this (at least from my perspective).

So rant over! Went on a bit longer then intended.....

There must be someone out there who has been a dark place and then set themselves a crazy task like climbing everest or travelling across africa alone? Would love to hear it..