What helps you with anxiety and depression?

Sometimes it is suggested to start the medication and help manage the symptoms and then that makes it easier to engage fully in the therapy

what helps me: vit D3 (had the most horrible SAD before taking - tested very deficient before starting), magnesium malate, plenty of water - in the absence of all sodas with artificial sweeteners and drinks containing caffeine, and strength-building and aerobic exercise on a regular basis.

if i ever lose the ability to workout, it wouldn't be good at all. recently started taking l-ysine to benefit my workout capacity, muscle retention, and recovery. was pleasantly surprised to find it definitely has a lovely calming effect which, in turn, naturally lifts mood

it's always a combination of things on an individual basis

I need both as it turns out. Meds can't fully help conquer PTSD like a good therapist can, and a good therapist can't regulate your brain chemistry like a fistful of meds.

I realize that anytime I'm either anxious or depressed, I'm not living in the present moment. I'm either in the past or the future - my abuse history being a link to depression, and my fear of what's to come, being a link to anxiety. So, the thing that helps me with either, is finding ways to return myself to the present.

Breathing exercises have been good. Also, walks in nature. When I get into nature and appreciate the beauty that surrounds me, I find it helps to connect me with my own nature. Appreciation of things, in general, helps. Making lists of positive aspects of my life, is a good exercise, as well as not focusing on the negative aspects.

There are times when I'm so far from the present, only medication helps. I have prescriptions for a couple of anti-anxiety meds, but I take them as infrequently as possible. It's better to adjust myself naturally than artificially. Although, sometimes, medication is the only thing that works.

I sought help for it. Even present myself at the ER when I was particularly low and was thinking of doing something irreversibly stupid. Doctor said Therapy. Therapist said Meds since they were going away on holiday. Doctor refused. Nothing at all was done. So I adopted 2 puppies from the dog pound.

For me, both are necessary.

But I think it varies.
There's plenty of evidence that anxiety can be cured with CBT and talk therapy.

Some people's depression has neurological causes; for them the right drug is the only relief.
It also depends on severity. Some is manageable. The most extreme forms are life threatening.

I beat Anxiety and Depression using a combination of "ThinkRightNow!" Behaviour Modification Programmes, and "Iawake" programmes such as "Audio Serenity", "BE", "Infinity", "Solar Infusion", "Deep Recovery" and "Relief from Stress and Anxiety".

A few times when things really spiraled and I went down the rabbit hole… I went on medication and it just helped me find my footing enough to climb back up and out.

ETA: I’m not on meds currently

Usually lose myself in a hobby. Playing or spending time with the pets, immersing in a CRPG, or just bullshitting with friends always seems to redirect in a good way.

I'm the type that likes to explore every other option before taking meds,
but it got to a point where I was too far gone and needed chemical intervention

I don't suffer depression , but get melancholic at times. I usually get physical when that happens. Movement and nature are my remedies.

Therapy only helps me so far because I cant out think a biological problem.

Its more a case of coming to terms with what causes you to feel anxious or depressed.

I do both and still want to die....desperately

I believe I read that counseling can do more for that than medication. My ex has severe anxiety and depression, and is borderline. She stopped taking meds because while it helped with anxiety and depression it made her emotionless except for anger. She didn't do that with counseling and it just made everything worse.

Avoidance, lol. But that can make it even worse when I have to deal with stuff again.
I take herbal extract pills from time to time. I don't know if it really works or it's placebo but it can work.
I've never been to therapy yet but I would definitely choose therapy before pills. Pills only as the last resort.

Exercise and beer

Both at the same time are the best combination for those with depression disorders. The meds help our brains ease up to process the work from therapy. It isn’t a one or the other for a lot of people.

{@kpoptan90] i can honestly say personally i have had both i was depressed after my dads death in 2014 ad had councilling and that did help .also i have counsilling as i went really low at work a few years ago

What really makes all the difference is not taking your inner dialogue as the truth, the ultimate reality but to debate and challenge it. And in case you're brain is not doing the work for you, please talk to someone.

I stopped expecting so much.
I feel way better though. Take a lot of time and patience.
No meds for me. Just talked with a few others as a simple sounding board. Not the answer provider.

Ask your doctor WHY you're on meds. A chemical imbalance is the only valid reason to take depression/anti-anxiety meds. Counseling may be all you need.

Listening to music.

sunshine and exercise for depression. 1/2 a cbd gummy for anxiety or a couple puffs of pot

Not legal or reccomended but illegal drugs

I prefer the medication. Can’t function without

Meh ..i just ride the wave

None or those.

Cocktails

Meditation 🧘‍♂️

https://similarworlds.com/mental-issues/depression-anxiety/1843069-I-Battle-Depression-How-to-fight-depression

Sounds silly but if I can get into it, I do role play and fantasy for a while as an escape for a while.

Therapy, healthy eating, exercise, socializing, creating a good support system (good friends), and giving yourself healthy outlets. Practicing gratitude. It's so many things... I think.

Personally, I am on medication as well but I wish I had never taken it.