I notice that no-one's contributed to this!

Let me try:-

1) Admitting to yourself that you are depressed, and that you need help,

2) Admitting to yourself that you may always have depression, and coming to terms with that,

3) Opening up and telling others that you are depressive,

4) St. John's Wort, Omega 3 oils, vitamin B, Zinc,

5) Buying a daylight simulator to cope with the winter,

6) If you are able, eliminating sources of frustration and stress from your life,

7) Exercise - walking, running, swimming, aerobics,

8) Meditation, or if you're not into that, try some of the stress-busting videos on You-tube,

9) Apologising to anyone you have hurt along the way, and making it clear that it wasn't personal,

10) Research, research and more research - learn about your condition, and ways to cope with,

11) A healthy diet - cut out excesses of all nature, eat whole-foods, get plenty of protein, drink plenty of water, cut down on alcohol, caffiene and other stimulants,

12) Keep a mood diary - write down everything that comes to you, at all stages - it will help you to recognise when another episode is on the way, or receding,

13) Being honest and open with everyone about your depression - let them know that there may be times when you don't want to be around anyone, or go out, etc..again, stress that it's nothing personal,

14) Finally, without it sounding like a book plug, buy 'I Had A Black Dog', and 'Living With A Black Dog' by Matthew and Ainsley Johnstone. Make sure everybody who cares about you reads them as well.

Hope these are useful.

Last Edited By: MrH Jul 24 09 9:20 AM. Edited 1 times.