[MissDeBudlieAy]

I've been getting very emotional lately and I keep crying... ive even started to cry on nights ut and had to leave the pub and leave my friends behind. I don't feel like my friends are there for me as they often tend to change the subject if I bring it up so now I just don't talk about it. I've had tis before and although medication has helped a bit but I still never had confidence and felt alone. I'm off meds and really think I need new ones but other then meds what can I do to help my confidence and I even find it difficult to have conversations with my own friends. Its so difficult. What can I do because this is ruining my life. I'm in college and am having trouble socialising.

Thanks

[DoulaLC]

Definitely see your gp about trying another med. Sometimes it can take trying a few different ones, or different dosages, to find what works for you.

What you can do that might help:

* get regular exercise of some sort everyday... walk, ride a bike, swim, jog, dance, use a workout DVD at home, join a gym, take a class at school, try something new that you have always wanted to do... martial arts or yoga for example. Not only would it help you physically, but it can be very beneficial emotionally and if you are in a class you can talk to people with the same interest

*be sure you are eating well and from a variety of foods... make changes where you know you should. Read up on diet and how what you eat can actually effect your brain chemistry and mood. Take a multivitamin as insurance if you know your diet could be better, but making diet changes will be best

*stop any behaviours you know are not healthy for you... smoking, excessive drinking, etc. if those pertain to you

*use self-talk... sometimes just talking to yourself to help you keep moving forward can work. Sort of giving yourself a pep talk and reminding yourself that you can push through some rough patches. "Right, I will allow myself to sit here for 15 minutes then I am off for a half hour walk".

*find ways to treat yourself kindly... splurge on a massage, facial, soak in the tub, manicure, whatever you think will lift your spirits

*write your feelings down in a journal, get it on paper, make a list of things you want to do, goals, dreams... short term and long term, and the steps you will need to take to meet those goals... then pick the easiest to start with and little by little work towards it.

*see if there are any ways that you can volunteer some of your time in your community... local church, library, day care, old folks home, animal shelter, etc. Not only will you have the opportunity to meet new people you will feel good about helping others

[vinys]

Do meditation and jst believe in yourself

[Flash90]

I know how you feel I'm in university and cry all the time. My friends like to go out but every time I go it just does not make me happy. I suggest you go to your doctor and go back on medication. I am waiting to go see a doctor as well, but I also sugges finding other ways to help for medication does not completely rid depression.