Hi @adsactly, thank you for sharing your story with us. This is a topic that effects many people. Many of the comments have shared a number of ways to cope with depression that can be very helpful, the most important thing is for you to find out what works for you. I don't know how long you have been taking the antidepressants but depending on the type, it is very important that they be taken at the same time everyday. Sometimes they have to be in your system consistently for over two weeks before your system can normalize, some of the side effects may dissipate as well (assuming you aren't being prescribed too high a dose). If you want to stop taking them, your doctor should ween you off slowly over the course of weeks, otherwise you can see a reemergence of symptoms. Taking the prescription inconsistently, skipping days, and drinking alcohol can all negate the effects of what the antidepressants are supposed to be doing. Generally the effects of antidepressants bring temporary relief and long term improvement is seen when taken while also going to counseling. A counselor can also help you navigate the myriad of techniques mentioned in this feed, and help you find what works for you.
In addition to vitamin D, Omega 3 and Methylfolate deficiencies have been linked to antidepressant resistant depression.
In some studies, walking 30 minutes daily has been shown to be as effective for improving depression symptoms as antidepressants, again consult your psychiatrist before stopping any prescribed medication.
Journaling, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, healthy diet, exercise, nature, music, thought stopping, positive reframing, art, surrounding yourself with the people you love and anything that you might consider enjoyable can help. It can sound like a lot, especially when you are in the middle of battling depression and enjoying anything is the last thing on your mind, but just doing any one of these things can be the spark to moving you out of depression.
From a neurology standpoint any of these things help your brain to rewire to a more positive balance. Neurons that fire together wire together. Essentially the more positive things you do, the more your brain and body will to respond to it. If you are interested in working directly on your brain pattern, neurofeedback is an option as well. Neurofeedback also may lead to a decreased need for medication.
I am sorry that you have to face the battle with depression that you are fighting. You sound like a fighter and I hope you find the answers you are looking for. I have so much more I want to share with you on this, but this post already went longer than I wanted. Just keep researching, there are so many techniques, theories, studies, books, and groups out there!
Best Wishes!
Yes, getting to know yourself, acceptance and doing the things you love and it can be fun finding out what those things are, so trying new things is good too.