I've had seasonal depression for much of my adult life. So far, I've managed to make it through each winter without ever having to resort to antidepressant medication. This winter season, however, I'm finding it harder than usual to stay on track. Can anyone recommend some strategies, exercises or even good books on managing depression med-free? I don't mean for my question to open the door to a debate on the effectiveness of the pharma route. Just a personal choice here. I really value the thoughtful advice of members here on askmefi, so thanks in advance.
posted by anonymous on Dec 1, 2009 - 29 answers

Can you recommend a good book about the WPA artists program, or a great book that came out of the Federal Writers' Program? Bonus points if you know of a fictional story that uses it as the main theme. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 30, 2009 - 12 answers

I'm am massively depressed right now. I have my Masters dissertation to hand in next month but cannot do anything at the moment involving complex thought and haven't been able to for at least the past year. I have awful memory recall - I can read something, put the book down and cannot tell you a thing I have read - I can barely string sentences together, I cannot think abstractly; in short, I'm a mess. I'm petrified that after two episodes of pretty intense depression, my hippocampus is permanently damaged. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 29, 2009 - 15 answers

How do I deal with my recently redeveloped confidence? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 28, 2009 - 5 answers

I need a prescription for meds for depression in central/western Florida. And therapy, if that's possible, but it's mostly for the meds. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 25, 2009 - 2 answers

Has anybody ever dated someone whom is schizoaffective, which is a combination of a mood disorder and psychotic symptoms. If you have , have you experienced being dumped without an explanation when you thought everything was going well.
posted by villazapat on Nov 24, 2009 - 7 answers

My mom has always had high anxiety, been prone to fear and pessimism, and has tended to focus on her fears in a very repetitive, verbal way that is often tiring to those around her. Her situation has worsened recently for several reasons. I want to help her find help. This question is both about therapy in general and for recommendations in San Diego in particular. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 23, 2009 - 9 answers

I think I may have a hormone deficiency. I plan to see a doctor. What should I expect? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 22, 2009 - 7 answers

How can I make space for my emotions and feel safe letting myself feel them? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 22, 2009 - 16 answers

I just did something banally amazing. Now I'm overcome with a profound sense of dread. Is this legitimate? [more inside]
posted by Lacking Subtlety on Nov 19, 2009 - 58 answers

What are the unintended, negative consequences of having a medical marijuana prescription? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 19, 2009 - 10 answers

Please give advice on how to accept my atheism, let go of God and the need for one, how to get over the fourth stage of grief/letting go (depression), and how to find my passion for life again! [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 18, 2009 - 45 answers

I'm about to start a course of Citalopram (Celexa / Cipramil). What should I know in advance? [more inside]
posted by SebastianKnight on Nov 18, 2009 - 21 answers

I'm uncomfortably depressed to the point of feeling completely hopeless...but I need to pass my classes. Can anyone recommend a good study/homework method that worked for you in hard times? [more inside]
posted by Taft on Nov 18, 2009 - 16 answers

Every night that he comes home and winds up browsing the internet for hours, I feel like I'm going to scream. Am I a nagging worrywort, is my boyfriend mildly depressed, or both? And what's the best way to work on it? [more inside]
posted by brisquette on Nov 17, 2009 - 33 answers

Should I mention my mental illness on my graduate school statement of intent? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 16, 2009 - 24 answers

Why am I such a pathetic sad-sack these days, and how can I shape up before I drive all my friends away? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 14, 2009 - 15 answers

As a 30-year old who is a part-time grad student and a full-time office worker, are my goals to get control over my life (weight loss, finances, home, work, etc) really unrealistic? Is there a way to just be NORMAL and balanced, or is it really just normal not to really have things together, even as an adult? [more inside]
posted by dumbledore69 on Nov 13, 2009 - 24 answers

A friend who hates mothering. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by LittleMissCranky on Nov 12, 2009 - 32 answers

Friend with depression (treated with meds), seems to have plateaued with any progress and still occasionally thinks of suicide. I am there for him as much as possible but it kills me to see him like this. Is there anything I should know, or that I could do or say at the right time to help him move forward? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 12, 2009 - 13 answers

I am living a wasted life. Depressed and stuck. I know this question has been asked a million times in a million different ways by a million different people. But I want to ask it myself, and hear what you say to me, because I am at the end of my rope. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 10, 2009 - 57 answers

Seeking short-term coping mechanisms for being productive in school during a devastating breakup, and for comedy TV I can watch to help me through it. Long story inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 8, 2009 - 32 answers

How do I navigate Social Security to qualify for Medicaid, SSI and disability for mental health services? How do I find an advocate to guide me through the walls of paperwork and decisions? Sub-question: what are current mental health institutions like for in-patient treatment? [more inside]
posted by loquacious on Nov 5, 2009 - 13 answers

Depressionfilter: Help me understand a sudden increase in libido and its emotional aftermath. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 5, 2009 - 9 answers

How do I explain to my mom and my therapist that I feel like my depression has come back and that I'm wasting my time at college? [more inside]
posted by mccarty.tim on Nov 2, 2009 - 23 answers

My boyfriend is depressed, again, and I'm starting to get concerned that I don't have the patience to get through it with him this time. I want to help him, but I'm not sure how many times I can keep doing this. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 25, 2009 - 26 answers

What can be done about someone having a MAJOR depressive episode? A loved one has been having a HORRIBLE time spending days on my couch with her head covered. The doctor doubled her medicine last week but wondering what can be done for until that possibly kicks in? [more inside]
posted by beccaj on Oct 23, 2009 - 28 answers

I found an article where researchers experimented with online self-managed coginitive-behavioral therapy (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/566048). Does such a system exist online?
posted by Josh Coe on Oct 23, 2009 - 4 answers

I've started hormonal birth control (Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo) for the first time, and am currently on my third day. I've heard/read of the accompanying depression and mood swings. When can I expect side effects, so that I can assess myself and decide whether or not to continue with the pill? What sort of red flags should I look out for, in case I don't realize I'm being depressive, mood-swingy, or sans sex drive? [more inside]
posted by Xere on Oct 21, 2009 - 21 answers

Is it possible to fully recover from a severe, long-lasting depression? "I get the sense that you think that one day she will no longer be depressed. If that is the case, I am sorry to tell you that she will always be a depressed person. She may be less depressed at points and more depressed at others, but if her depression is this severe and long lasting, it's here to stay." Say it ain't so. [more inside]
posted by moira on Oct 20, 2009 - 25 answers

How can I help my girlfriend who's coming out of depression, without going out of my mind? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 20, 2009 - 16 answers

I was recently diagnosed with adult ADHD (inattentive type) and put on Adderall. I have very, very mixed feelings about this -- hopeful, because it seems to really be helping me in multiple areas of my life, but also anxious that it is a crutch that I can't use forever. Does anyone have any insight or anecdotes to help me either (1) feel better about being on Adderall, or (2) come up with an alternative plan to manage my issues? [more inside]
posted by dumbledore69 on Oct 19, 2009 - 23 answers

Does anyone have experience with someone who is 21 applying for permanent disability benefits? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 14, 2009 - 13 answers

What was the extent of the international impact of the American Great Depression compared to the economic crisis today? What are (scholarly) resources that might help answer this question?
posted by msk1985 on Oct 12, 2009 - 4 answers

How can I help someone who has three young children but who doesn't want to be a mother anymore? I know that this sounds completely irresponsible and selfish and cruel but I would appreciate help if you can take the time to read the details. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 8, 2009 - 27 answers

I've finally realized that I have a gigantic mess of mental issues that almost certainly require therapy and medication. Depression, multiple kinds of anxiety, who knows what else. Please help me figure out how to get better. [more inside]
posted by MyMetaAccount on Oct 5, 2009 - 24 answers

Please recommend a therapist in Portland, Oregon. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 5, 2009 - 3 answers

Looking for a therapist in the DC area to deal with general anxiety issues and depression. Some restrictions apply: [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 5, 2009 - 7 answers

Just graduated from a top business school in the United States (H/S/W/K/M, etc.). I am $130k in debt, with payments of $1200 per month staring at me from 6 months away. I'm still not sure what I want to do with my life. Help! [more inside]
posted by alternateuniverse on Oct 5, 2009 - 15 answers

Best U.S. insurance company for a pre-existing condition (depression) - advice please! [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 30, 2009 - 4 answers

My wife struggles with depression and, occasionally, suicidal ideation. But she doesn't communicate well (or nearly at all), so I have no real way of knowing when she's having a crisis rather than just another string of bad days / weeks. Is it ethical to monitor her internet activity without her knowledge so I have some idea of when I need to get serious about intervening? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 29, 2009 - 40 answers

I think having surgery made me anxiety prone and depressed. Is this possible and will I go back to being myself after I fully recover from the surgery? I know YANAD. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 29, 2009 - 16 answers

If you give me a checklist of signs of serious stress or depression, I can check off pretty much all of them. Constant anxiety, panic attacks, flares of irritation at trivial things, headaches, feeling the overwhelming urge to break down and cry or just snap and yell at someone, exhaustion, lack of sleep, inability to enjoy my time off and alas heavy loss of libido. How do I cope when I can't escape what's causing me stress? [more inside]
posted by ArkhanJG on Sep 28, 2009 - 32 answers

Anti depressants for mild depression? Does it really help just "get you out of a funk"? I know SSRIs are the only thing that help a lot of people get out of depression, but what about someone who can pretty much manage, but feels like it would be nice to not have to just manage? [more inside]
posted by Rocket26 on Sep 28, 2009 - 28 answers

I need a temporary low-maintenance, but social, 'after work' place/thing/something to do while I try to get my health in order. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 24, 2009 - 26 answers

Anti-depressants: do they eventually stop working? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 24, 2009 - 10 answers

I'm trying to "detach with love" and get therapy. He's stuck and resistant. What next? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 23, 2009 - 15 answers

Unemployment. Am I doing something wrong, and how do I stay sane while it continues? [more inside]
posted by rosethorn on Sep 21, 2009 - 25 answers

My sister has an alcohol and/or prescription and/or depression problem. What can I do to help her, and in what order? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 20, 2009 - 7 answers

I asked This question a couple of months ago. Since then I've gone through one of the worst periods of depression of my life. I'm seeing a therapist and taking anti-depressants but they're not really helping. I'm depressed about my complete lack of meaningful relationships and experiences and the depression has made me more isolated and unmotivated than ever. I feel like I need to do something drastic to force myself to get out of my head and start living my life. I want to be in a situation where I have no choice but to work hard and interact with people. Volunteering abroad appeals to me a great deal but I have no real skills and I'm guessing my mental health problems would make it hard to get a placement. Would volunteering abroad be possible or advisable and is there anything else I could do?
posted by anonymous on Sep 20, 2009 - 33 answers