what do you feel helps to reduce the symptoms of depression?

I think that really varies from person to person...I am medicated and most likely will be for the rest of my life HOWEVER I have suffered from depression pretty much my entire life and the more trauma I've endured the more intense my depression got so NOT being medicated at this point in life isnt an option for me...In combination with my pills though I also find that meditation, yoga, painting/drawing/writing, spending time outside etc helps a great deal.

Prayers and scripture reading are good daily habits. I'm currently working on reading all 4 standard works through the year. It helps keep me focused on what is important. I've also found that exercise is a great way to put your focus somewhere else. It's especially helpful when you are feeling depressed and all you want to do is sleep. Just getting up to move can work wonders. The other tool I use are affirmations. I have a lot of them written out and I read through them. The great thing about affirmations is that they don't have to be true but if you repeat them often enough your mind starts to believe them and you act on them and eventually the good things you are telling yourself are true.

I agree, n my depression meditation and support of my brother helped me a lot. I tried a holosync cd now I have started promoting it too. You can view my site http://freewebs.com/innersmilee to order your free cd and its really amazing. It really helped me to relax.

I teach depression awareness. You've got a start on how to begin, but there is much more. Go to HealthMad.com and read Depression Awareness: The Myths. Also go to Lifetips.com and read both depression gurus. Depression can be more than emotional based. Some times the cause is a chemical imbalance. What you describe is a step in maintenance and prevention. Another point is the blues and depression are often confused go to associatedcontent.com and search Is it the Blues or are you Depressed?

Hello, I am a firm believer in prayer and healing. This may sound crazy to you but I was healed of Bipolar disorder 4 years ago while visiting a small church in another state. The man who spoke to me had never met me, nor did he know anything about my circumstances. But God knew. And HE healed me. I know this doesn't happen for everyone, but it CAN. So keep praying and believing, and you will receive just what you need. Even if it is not a complete healing, you can receive grace and mercy to help you through. God often has us go through things, and sometimes even keeps us there in our plite so that we can have compassion for others. Sincerely, Mellisa McJunkin

i feel i get refreshed after having my chocolates. And best remedy is Meditation, try breathing exercise, it will help you balance and handle depression.

The responses you recieved so far are pretty good. I'm going to pass on this one. I am getting carpal tunnel (sp). Good luck.

the things that you said above only help to a certain extent.the best thing to reduce depression is laugh and learning the ways to enjoy life.

I do all the above that you mentioned but they sometimes do not help. I feel that it takes alot of willpower to think positively when one is down. I've been there and it's a terrible feeling, like there is no end to the dark tunnel you are in and you force yourself to grope and walk on in the darkness hoping that one day I will see the light.

hello aromatherapy sometimes helps you can visit yurbeeswax.com and pick out the candle or melts that contains these essential oil ..Sage,Grapefruit,Lavender,Jasmine,Orange,Patchouli,Rose

i used to be in very depressed,tense... very frequently.then 1 of my frnd said to start yoga classes.really its soo good.learn simple ways exercise can help you to pull out from depression.