Depression is getting bad

[secretisis]

Well I've had anxiety and a mild form of a serious depression since I was 12. I've had 2 suicide attempts since then till now, me at 26. Last was at 20.
I've dealt with my depression pretty well since then, though when I had my twins 1 in a half years ago, I was hit with postpartum depression and everything came flooding back.
I don't take medication as I don't like all the chemicals, though I'm starting to lean towards it now because the last few days have been pretty bad. I just can't handle it anymore.
So what I'm asking is, what do you do for depression? Magickal and non. Whether a spell for happiness, or a book that made you smile. I just can't feel alone anymore, I'm tired of everything. I hate everything. I just can't see myself doing another 26 years of this..

[SnowCat]

I suggest getting a complete thyroid work up. Thyroid problems can cause depression and the standard TSH test can come back "normal" even when something is wrong. You can also share and vent here as much as you need to. It seems that we've all been through our share of bad times. It really is like a family here.

Snow

[RosieMoonflower]

Yes, I can attest to what SnowCat says because my sister had this exact issue.

Rosie [GREEN HEART]

[secretisis]

Thanks. I really hope I can find something akin to family here. It would mean a lot.
And I have been meaning to make an appointment with my doctor for a physical due to me having headaches every minute of the day.

[Vesca]

I'm seconding (thirding?) the blood test analysis. Even if it comes back clean, that's one more thing you can rule out or address properly.

As for methods of coping with and treating depression:

Non-Magical

- Find and talk to a certified mental health specialist. They can provide tools to help you work through your tough times and help you work through long-standing internal quarrels.

- Make sure you take time every day for yourself, even if it's 10 minutes. It's called Self Care, and it's hugely important for everyone. It keeps us sane and stable and able to handle the world in a healthier way. Even if it's taking a minute to meditate, read a book, get a good meal, watch a favorite show, anything.

- Make sure you know who you can call if you need to talk to someone immediately. Know where you can go to break your mind out of a negative loop (library, coffee shop, etc..). Know what activities you can do to distract your mind for the moment until those feelings pass. There are crisis phone and text lines available if you ever find yourself in a moment where you can't reach anyone and you need to.

- Consider medication if you or your doctor feel you would benefit. Just be open to your options, even if you ultimately dismiss it later.

- Know that while things may seem bad in the moment, that all those little moments throughout life don't make up the wonderful whole of your life journey and that those bad moments will pass, as all things do, and it will get better.

- Seek out that which makes you laugh or otherwise lifts your mood. I go visit a site called http://9gag.com/
I'm also an avid reader of everything, and if I can't quiet my mind enough to read then movies and TV shows with snacks and a home-pedicure session is my go-to drug of choice (which also qualifies as self-care).


Magical

- Regular banishings and cleansings of both your home space and yourself. (I try to do it every other week or when time allows). If nothing else, it gets your mind into a different state of thinking.

[Winter Wind]

For non magickal help, aside from talking to a counselor, therapist or such, giving yourself a little gift can lift your mood, do something you really enjoy(painting, dancing, cooking, jogging, etc), cook your favorite meal, etc.
For magickal help, try Reiki too, it's wonderful

[SnowCat]

My grandson has been having some issues at school with being bullied. I'm going to help him make pinatas, so he can bash his bullies in effigy. And get candy at the same time. He also goes to the gym with me and works out. He says it's helping his frustration level.

I've been doing too much self-medicating with cheesecake lately. I knew I shouldn't have watched all those episodes of The Golden Girls.

I don't mean to make light of anyone's problems. Just sharing another perspective.

Snow