What are some ways a Buddhist would deal with depression?

ravkes

I have trouble stabilizing my moods, and I also have trouble being happy in general.
This has been occurring for the past year.
Partly because of circumstance, but now I see it occurring even without certain situational influences..

What would a Buddhist do to treat mild to major depression.

Thanks.

Mountains

Have you seen a counselor and/or ever been on medication? Buddhism isn't always a substitute for professional help. I'm not always in favor of medication for depression, but sometimes it definitely helps, especially if you're trying to self-diagnose without knowing what you're up against.

BhanteLucky

I meditated twice a day for an hour each.
I saw a counsellor about 10 times. Expensive but useful.
I took prozac, but that sucked, so I changed to paroxetine.

So, meditation, medication, and therapy.
Worked for me.
Now I'm better, and I'm off the pills, but I still manage to meditate twice a day, it's a habit now.

Tikal2012

You have to open up to the entire experience of being depressed. Depression only becomes an issue when you identify with it and try to suppress it. When you do that it comes back bigger and nastier than it was to begin with. Accept the fact that you are depressed, love it, and it will become your friend.

dorje

You have to open up to the entire experience of being depressed. Depression only becomes an issue when you identify with it and try to suppress it. When you do that it comes back bigger and nastier than it was to begin with. Accept the fact that you are depressed, love it, and it will become your friend.

That is one of the most irresponsible things I have read.

People who are diagnosed with depression actually have chemical imbalances that keep them in that state of depression. To ignore medical information is irresponsible and ignorant.

Tikal2012

Seeing as how it's done such a fine job itself in making this world a better place.

federica

That doesn't excuse your irresponsible and frankly ignorant remark. You're just adding to that "world"....If you can't voice your opinion responsibly, it's probably, it's not constructive.

@Ravkes, as Mountains quite accurately states, Buddhism is neither a cure nor a substitute for proper professional management of a condition of this kind, to whatever degree.
By all means study, meditate and try to take in Buddhist teachings on Taming the Mind, and the lessons on suffering. But see someone professionally. We are, by and large, not professional therapists, and few of us have medical background or training in this specific sphere.
See your doctor, and tackle it form both sides.

Tosh

This is awesome, and I recommend it if you have depression:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mindful-Way-Through-Depression-Unhappiness/dp/1593851286

Mindfulness is pretty mainstream cognitive behavioural therapy when it comes to treating depression these days.

However, and as the link I put up says, if your depression is really bad, you need to see a doctor. However, for depression relapse prevention, Buddhist stuff can be really helpful.

And like anything, you only get out what you put in.

Hope this has been some 'elp!

ddrishi

You have to open up to the entire experience of being depressed. Depression only becomes an issue when you identify with it and try to suppress it. When you do that it comes back bigger and nastier than it was to begin with. Accept the fact that you are depressed, love it, and it will become your friend.

That is one of the most irresponsible things I have read.

People who are diagnosed with depression actually have chemical imbalances that keep them in that state of depression. To ignore medical information is irresponsible and ignorant.

In my humble view, Tickal202 is absolutely correct and the criticism of his view is unwarranted. If Buddhism cannot treat even depression, what else can it do?
Depression is not a medical problem in spite of what a doctor may say in exchange for a fee. Nothing can be more professional than following Buddhist dictate of seeing oneself clearly because that by itself is the cure, as rightly mentioned by Tikal2012.

Tosh

I also reckon the above link is good in general, even if you don't have depression. My partner suffers badly with depression; she treats it with medication when it's been really bad, but uses exercise, meditation and mindfulness techniques, and she says it keeps her on an even keel, most of the time.

prettyhowtown

Exercise, first and foremost! Cardio and yoga, especially. Get outside-- I find the more time I spend outside, the happier I am. There is also a theory out there that Vitamin D deficiency can contribute and even cause depression-- so get a little sun (15-20 min) every day! Eat healthy food and a balanced diet, even if you don't feel like it. Take omega-3 rich foods. Get quality sleep, if possible.

See a doctor and a therapist. Depending on the severity of the depression, open to the possibility of medication.

*hugs* I've been depressed before, as well. Your body is telling you that something is amiss. Be kind to yourself.

Tosh

In my humble view, Tickal202 is absolutely correct and the criticism of his view is unwarranted. If Buddhism cannot treat even depression, what else can it do?
Depression is not a medical problem in spite of what a doctor may say in exchange for a fee. Nothing can be more professional than following Buddhist dictate of seeing oneself clearly because that by itself is the cure, as rightly mentioned by Tikal2012.

It's generally accepted that if you have serious mental health issues, modern treatment is best to get you on an even keel. Once you've got some 'stability', Buddhism will treat the root issue at a more holistic level.

If you're in the pits of depression, it's going to be hard to get out of bed, never mind starting to investigate Buddhism, find something useful, and utilise it.

federica

In my humble view, Tickal202 is absolutely correct and the criticism of his view is unwarranted. If Buddhism cannot treat even depression, what else can it do?
Depression is not a medical problem in spite of what a doctor may say in exchange for a fee. Nothing can be more professional than following Buddhist dictate of seeing oneself clearly because that by itself is the cure, as rightly mentioned by Tikal2012.

Buddhism isn't there to 'treat depression'

The problem with people believing it is, is that when they are faced with some of the challenges and teachings of Buddhism - Dependent Origination and Emptiness, self/Not-self - it can become so daunting, so seemingly negative (Buddhism has often mistakenly been referred to as a negative religion, with depressing overtones, by those ignorant of in-depth teachings) that applied incorrectly, I would surmise it might even make matters worse.
If such teachings are difficult for a person, free of mental issues, to learn - pity the poor person whose mind is muddled, muddied, mixed-up and depressed.

And if you really believe Depression is not a medical problem, then I suggest you do some research and learn about it a little more, because, contrary to your belief, it's not about the fee.

People used to be tortured, executed and ostracised by society, and put into mental institutions, for issues we now recognise as standard medical conditions.
Fortunately, we're a bit more educated now.
I suggest you broaden your knowledge-base a little.

taiyaki

i'd stop trying to stabilize anything. moods whether good or bad all come and go.

examine why you cling to one mood or another. who is it that clings to this or that?

sit with it all. last night i was meditating and i went through hell and heaven in one sitting. though the bliss was pleasurable, it wasn't mine. though the fear was not enjoyable, it wasn't mine.

nothing is mine because everything comes and goes as it pleases. just energy.

in buddhism the buddha found freedom from suffering. he did this by sitting in meditation. you can too.

SattvaPaul

You have to open up to the entire experience of being depressed. Depression only becomes an issue when you identify with it and try to suppress it. When you do that it comes back bigger and nastier than it was to begin with. Accept the fact that you are depressed, love it, and it will become your friend.

That's a good advice and totally in line with what people like Jon Kabat-Zinn would say, imo. But you need to see it in context, and medication can be useful depending on the seriousness of your state. But I personally believe it may do more harm than good in the long term. I'd check out the book mentioned by @Tosh, and consult a professional who is trained in mindfulness-based approaches.

lamaramadingdong

I'll second the exercise recommended above. Makes a huge difference.

SattvaPaul

Exercise, first and foremost! Cardio and yoga, especially. Get outside-- I find the more time I spend outside, the happier I am. There is also a theory out there that Vitamin D deficiency can contribute and even cause depression-- so get a little sun (15-20 min) every day! Eat healthy food and a balanced diet, even if you don't feel like it. Take omega-3 rich foods. Get quality sleep, if possible.

See a doctor and a therapist. Depending on the severity of the depression, open to the possibility of medication.

*hugs* I've been depressed before, as well. Your body is telling you that something is amiss. Be kind to yourself.

I double that too.

Sun is so important. I wish I could get more of it. It's amazing the effect it has. Grey weather weighs me down so much.. and it's the norm where I live (Wales). I have a SAD lamp but it's nothing like the real thing. I'd like to move (pref to Asia) but it ain't gonna happen soon.

Gui

Finding out from a medical professional whether you suffer from clinical depression or sadness with no neurological cause should be the first step in understanding what step to take next. Regardless, the advise given above regarding exercise, diet and your practice can only help.

Hanzze

Practicing much Dana (Charity) *smile* and observe precepts.

ajnast4r

in my experience the 3 greatest agents against situational or mild non-situational depression are:

meditation
exercise
selfless service/charity

proper diet is also huge if you're not already eating well. i should add also that i believe some depression IS purely biochemical and can be partially-totally cured through medication or herbs.

Tikal2012

That doesn't excuse your irresponsible and frankly ignorant remark. You're just adding to that "world"....If you can't voice your opinion responsibly, it's probably, it's not constructive.

@Ravkes, as Mountains quite accurately states, Buddhism is neither a cure nor a substitute for proper professional management of a condition of this kind, to whatever degree.
By all means study, meditate and try to take in Buddhist teachings on Taming the Mind, and the lessons on suffering. But see someone professionally. We are, by and large, not professional therapists, and few of us have medical background or training in this specific sphere.
See your doctor, and tackle it form both sides.

First and foremost I would like to say how much I appreciate the insult. It really warms my heart to know that practicing Buddhists on planet Earth are holding each other in such high esteem.

Secondly, modern psychiatry would have persons such as this take poisonous medications as an attempt to alleviate the issue. These medications are not productive at all, and if fact, only serve to worsen the attachment to the emotional states, and thus increase the prominence of said emotional states.
Buddhism on the other hand does not require such poisonous medications, and if put into practice, can completely eliminate all of these negative states of mind, and in a relatively short period of time. Not only that, but it is also capable of achieving this with no negative side effects.

I would have to say that my opinion was indeed voiced responsibly, and not only that, but it was most certainly constructive in that the advise it contained, if put into practice, would most certainly lead to the well being of the reader.

Tikal2012

In my humble view, Tickal202 is absolutely correct and the criticism of his view is unwarranted. If Buddhism cannot treat even depression, what else can it do?
Depression is not a medical problem in spite of what a doctor may say in exchange for a fee. Nothing can be more professional than following Buddhist dictate of seeing oneself clearly because that by itself is the cure, as rightly mentioned by Tikal2012.

It's generally accepted that if you have serious mental health issues, modern treatment is best to get you on an even keel. Once you've got some 'stability', Buddhism will treat the root issue at a more holistic level.

If you're in the pits of depression, it's going to be hard to get out of bed, never mind starting to investigate Buddhism, find something useful, and utilise it.

If Buddhist meditation is so successful at eliminating the root cause of the issue, then why even put modern psychiatry into use at all??

Tikal2012

In my humble view, Tickal202 is absolutely correct and the criticism of his view is unwarranted. If Buddhism cannot treat even depression, what else can it do?
Depression is not a medical problem in spite of what a doctor may say in exchange for a fee. Nothing can be more professional than following Buddhist dictate of seeing oneself clearly because that by itself is the cure, as rightly mentioned by Tikal2012.

Buddhism isn't there to 'treat depression'

The problem with people believing it is, is that when they are faced with some of the challenges and teachings of Buddhism - Dependent Origination and Emptiness, self/Not-self - it can become so daunting, so seemingly negative (Buddhism has often mistakenly been referred to as a negative religion, with depressing overtones, by those ignorant of in-depth teachings) that applied incorrectly, I would surmise it might even make matters worse.
If such teachings are difficult for a person, free of mental issues, to learn - pity the poor person whose mind is muddled, muddied, mixed-up and depressed.

And if you really believe Depression is not a medical problem, then I suggest you do some research and learn about it a little more, because, contrary to your belief, it's not about the fee.

People used to be tortured, executed and ostracised by society, and put into mental institutions, for issues we now recognise as standard medical conditions.
Fortunately, we're a bit more educated now.
I suggest you broaden your knowledge-base a little.

I think Buddhism is most certainly capable of eliminating depression, and if it is, then why should it not be put into use as an effective treatment option?

The issue that you raise with Buddhism coming across as a pessimistic religion is that the teachings of the Buddha are being taught incorrectly. The core message of the Buddha is about transcendence of pain. That surely is an optimistic message.

Depression is not a medical issue. Breaking your arm is a medical issue. Depression is simply the gross manifestation of ignorance (which every human being on earth has), and this is how it works:

1) Mental contact occurs.
2) Unpleasant feeling arises.
3) Craving (dislike) of feeling arises.
4) Clinging to doctrine of self, and/ or clinging to views (opinions, theories, concepts) arise.

The truth is that this is happening all the time, for every human being on the planet, the different kind of feelings, different kind of craving, and different kind of clinging (there are also clinging to sensuality (sex), and clinging to rites and rituals (which is happening in a lot of "Buddhist" traditions in the world today).
The only difference between most people, and people who are depressed is that most people don't get caught up on the same small thing, over, and over, and turn it into such a HUGE deal. However, a person who suffers from "depression," will take the same small thing every day, and blow it way out of proportion, and make a really big hindrance out of it. Then they carry that hindrance around with them every where they go, and with everything they do, and that's why it has so many effects on the life of a person with this condition.
And at that point they can do 1 of 3 things.
1) They can continue to become upset about the same thing over and over again, which they do most of the time. This is feeding the process.
2) They can become upset about the fact that their mind is continuously reacting to it, and try to suppress it, which they probably do most of the time. This would be fighting the process.

Both of the first two options involve clinging to the reaction (craving and clinging), because in order to feed that anger with thoughts, you have to say "this is MY anger," and ... all the thoughts arise. And in order to try and push the anger down, and say "WHY am "I" angry!!?!?!" You have to see that anger as yourself.

3) Last, but certainly not least, you can OPEN UP to the entire experience. No matter what happens you can simply let it go, and say THAT'S OK!!! Has an unpleasant feeling arose?? "OK, that's cool!!" Has my mind started to react to this feeling?? "OK, that's cool!!" Why?? Because when you do that you let go of that big attachment to the concept of "I AM THIS." And when you let go of that, the depression stops arising. Why? Because it has no more fuel. The cause of the depression was the identification with it. Now that the identification is gone, the depression will no longer arise.

federica

Could I please respectfully point out that newbuddhist is not a repository or sole port of call, for those with mental issues. While we are very happy to have members present who seek comfort, solace and opinion of whatever may ail them, medical opinion, counsel, advice and when necessary, treatment, should also be sought, and in some cases, sought first.
For those who wish to insist that mental issues are not medical, I would further suggest that such advice in this day and age, is both dangerous and misguided.

Anybody taking issue with this, should contact Admin for further input.