It's a serious topic for me so I like to try and help when I can. But just look at this thread, most people are recommending specific drugs (not even necessarily anti-depressants)...that's bad new bears right there.
Very true. If you are wanting proper help then nothing can beat proper counselling and a healthy lifestyle.
I personally found that MDMA gave me enough of a boost to give me the opportunity to open up, realise how many of my problems were superficial and view the world in a completely different light. It seemed to break my "constant depression" (not severely depressed usually, just never quite happy) and I have to say, I'm a better person now. It certainly seems to be having some interesting effects on people with PTSD.
That being said I only went down this route after every other option was exhausted. Meds just didn't cut it and I do not respond well to therapy (I'm a private person). I would certainly advise the OP to listen to dchuk and try the more conventional methods.
I would certainly not suggest alcohol or weed. MDMA (ecstasy) can also have a strong comedown effect afterwards which can exacerbate the depression (the hope in using it in medicine for those with PTSD is that they are able to open up and get problems off their chest during the therapy and before the comedown - hence the risk).
Here's a list which pretty much sums up everyones points:
- Eat well (junk food and sugery food turn you into an emotional rollercoaster)
- Take a multivitamin
- Stop drinking alcohol (and soft drinks)
- Exercise
- Fuck chicks or dudes (masturbation is NOT the same! Seriously.)
- Change your environment
- Get a bit of sun
- Talk to a professional (might need a reference from your doctor if in UK)
- Talk to your doctor about how appropriate meds would be
- Try self help courses
- Talk to a friend or two (try opening up)
- If you cant open up to friends, depression chatrooms can be useful (sometimes it's easier to speak to randomers)
- Start a new hobby, stay busy (a sport preferably)
- Stop with ALL sad music/ movies. Only listen to happy stuff.
- Get lots of sleep
- Keep your house tidy (will make you feel better)
- Brighten up your rooms with more lights and plants
- Don't ask for advice here. It's a primarily joke based forum full of trolls and nutjobs.
If you are feeling seriously suicidal, seek help from professionals immediately. A very temporary escape that can help is getting addicted to a repetitive TV show. It can provide stability to your life when you need it and gives you a feeling of continuity. It is not a solution in any way though but it can be a fairly harmless escape (especially compared to hard drugs or worse).
Good luck.