Probably depends on personality, situation, gender, or age/maturity.

If you don't have a chemical imbalance then it is likely you know what triggered your depression. Wether it was a death, life change, personal problems, etc... Usually confronting the trigger of your depressed mood will help eleviate the terrible way you feel. If you are not positive don't rule out chemical imbalance. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. Even thought I took medication counselling was a huge part of my recovery. I hope you feel better.

If your problem is not chemical, then I think the best way to treat yourself would be to read up on mood disorders and find the triggers that make you spiral into a depresion. Personally I believe that most depressions are caused by chemical imbalance, anxiety, trauma, or grief. I have tried to find a reason for 20 years, but I cannot tolerate antideppresants (they make me so sick) and I do not want anymore therepy (only makes me think about it more).Different drugs work differently for everyone. After all these years of severe depression, it turns out the only thing that works half way good for me is an anxiety medication taken once a day in the mornings. So far it has given me the most relief without any side effects. Good-luck with your search, dont wait as long as I did to get real help.

i am pretty sure that I do know the cause of my situation. Unfortunately it's not something easily rectified. I don't have triggers that send me into mood swings or bouts when I will be intensely happy/sad/angry. It's more of a dull constant thing that sits inside, like a headache, or muscle pain. After awhile you learn to ignore it most of the time and move on - take it one day at a time. But there comes a time when it wears on you, pulling you down further than you want to go. I was just asking on the vain hope that there was the elusive "easy answer". No one at all knows about my feelings yet, and I would prefer to keep it that way. Maybe in a couple of years, when I move out on my own - away from other people.

Thank you for your suggestions. I appreciate the support.

I understand things are hard and if you ever need to chat you can send me a personal message. I won't ask questions you don't want to answer, i'll just listen. Sometimes thats better than nothing.

Keep smiling,
jenn

Aroma therapy might be able to help you. Drop me an email if you would like to know more.