Can one beat depression through self will.?

i would like to know if i could beat my situaton with self will.i had depression some years back but i overcame it after some years without medication.but my current episode started in 2005.my business collapsed and i could not feed the family.i attempted suicide several times.but currently i'm trying to be back on my feet.i am currently working for an agency in a day center as domestic staff.i do a lot of self help books and also research on the internet.this has given me courage to face life again.

yes I think you can but also eat well, exercise and put aside some time for yourself too, and if it dosn't get better maybe try a therapist, meds don't fix whats really broken they mask the symptoms.

yes u can beat depression.
i beat it with prayer and self will.
don't kill urself. that would make it even worse. pray for guideness and strive to succeed.

-good luck and remeber to never give up!

Yes, You can do it depression hurts and you need to have self will and find your life again...

Congratulations on to big progress. Yes, people can beat depression through self will, and it seems like you have a lot of that, but in severe cases of suicidal ideations, it would be best to get medical help as well. Medications AND counseling. Going back to work is often one of the biggest steps as it takes you outside your depression for a little everyday

I think so yes to a certain extent
You are a positive role model for others too

I wish you all the best

Depression IS a chemical imbalance. Mostly serotonin. it could be self beaten if you do lots of workout, lots of sunshine and lots of positive thoughts. fasting for a month can help too. no eating no drinking from sunrise to sundown. This will alter your body's chemical and cleanse you out. Having said that I must encourage you to see a doctor and get some help. Make sure not to go for Prozac or any SSRI (Selective Serotonin Re uptake Inhibitors). You have a history of suicide. SSRIs in general can make a person to commit suicide. go with other routes of treatment for six months.
How is your sex life? If the little guy is working well, then your depression is not sever. usually sex is the first thing to go when depression hits. best of luck.

Anything is possible!!!
Lots of prayer and meditation.
Although, you might could try natural medicine. There are herbs that can help you through the process easier. But be sure the see a natural professional first.!!!
Best of luck!!

I have anxiety and depression. I've been using this technique and it has really help me a lot. Since using it I have been feeling a lot better. Its called Emotional Freedom Technique. It's very good for getting rid of negative emotions and dealing with all kinds of issues. The Technique does sound bizarre but does work. It might something that could help you with your depression. These are some links about it.

above suggestions are good...but remember you may need to alter your values, priorities and past goals.

It could be an opportunity to help others with what you have experienced.

definitely... to beat depression you need self will
but you dont have to go through this alone, make sure to get support as well, it could be from a counselor, psychologist or a group of similar people, those who know well what you are going through
best of luck to you!

exercise helps

I suggest to look for help with Jesus. I had a problem with depression a while back, not as severe as yours but I overcame mine with the help of the Lord. He will give you the strength you need. The Bible says, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength". I will be praying for you.

I've suffered from depression for over ten years and could only relieve it through therapy ( cognitive ) and medication ( Trazodone ) . There still are bouts but they are under control and I haven't felt suicidal in years . Self-will and so-called will power have nothing to do with beating depression - it's an illness - you try to stop diarrhoea with self-will .... Asking for help seems sometimes the hardest thing to do , but in my opinion , it's the way . Wishing you all the best .

I would reccomend talking to someone about this. It sounds like you have had a rough couple of years. If you have thought or tried to take your life, I don't think you can 'wish' this away. I wish you lots of luck

There maybe an underlying problem.I used to get depressed because I could not accept things the way they were.I believe the best thing to do is simply accept the situation and if you have belief in god,let him worry about it.Suicide is a selfish act since you would leave your family in dire straights.Alone in the world is a very scary feeling.For your familys sake dont even think that way,it is caused by self pity.Good luck,hang in there

Self will can do wonders for depression..especially having positive thought and good constructive people to be around. Keeping busy with family and loved ones...Medication doesn't take care of everything but it sure helps...you have to help it along too..and yes it starts with you wanting to get things back on track ..having that goal to make things better for your life and family...please consider it...life is short for all the shortcomings. Theres good and bad in life so make the best on what you have...life!

Sorry Spooky, but I have to disagree with 'suicide is selfish'. I thought for many years that suicide was a cowards way out and wished that I had enough courage to be such a coward. If you really meant to do it, it's a tough job! I've been 'found' and taken off to psychratic hospital twice now. Anti-depressents work, well they have kept me on a kind of level for a couple of years now, although that's taking the maximum dose, Lord knows how I would be without the meds.

There are different types of depression. There are different severities of depression. Each person experiences depression in their own way.
Your depression sounds like reactive depression, because it occurred as a result of particular events. In which case, I would say it is perhaps easier to beat this type of depression through 'self-will' than it is for other types of clinical depression.
Some people get clinical depression without any obvious triggers, that is events that trigger a bout of depression, for instance. Some people have long term clinical depression and they need medication. That isn't to say that 'self-will' won't help them. It is just to say that they need more than that
In severe cases of clinical depression it could be argued that 'self-will' is not there any longer.
Each person is different.

you can do it through a combination of self will, family support, counselling and medication. I would not for one moment advise self will alone as the best way forward.

I know whats its like to feel isolated, alone and desperate... trust me, its a pain unlike any other where every human contact seems empty and the world is closing in.

Great men have always fought against inner demons.. Winston Churchill spoke of his "black dog" that he carried around with him till the day he died (and when he died he was old man and the greatest of us Brits this century).

You must fight my friend, every day and every moment, let your spirit and love drive you forwards...NEVER SURRENDER.

Your on the right track... keep at it!

I would go and learn how to do EFT. This will help you. Do a google search for it.

Good for you, I found a book called Hypnothink, saved my life, it's kind of a mental tools answer to the Swiss army knife. Also found writing a diary on my PDA a great help, almost like downloading all your troubles.

Try (no not again) exercise. Work out with weights at home.

It occurs to me you have a very 'be strong' personality type, which maybe you learned from your parents. Possible it is this that leads you to put to much pressure on yourself. Hence, trying to be an independent business man rather than settling for a secure job. With your attempt to do it all through pure will power you are displaying the same tendencies.

I am similar, marine father, implacable mother, I had two bad incidences of depression in my teens and early twenties. I am much happier now and not half so tough on myself.

Forgive me if this is way off the mark.

Listen mate, you have a family, so its your responsibility to stay alive for them. Keep fighting. Never give up. Theres too many people doing themselves in but you have a great responsibility to your kin and you need to do the best you can. Stay alive mate your family needs you no matter what job your doing! You are worth something

If depression could be cured by self will alone, then no one would have depression, it simply wouldn't exist. It's like someone having a cold and telling them that selfwill will cure them if they prevent themselves from sneezing. It's just not possible.

If you told someone with depression that they could cure themselves with self will, you would be giving them false hope, indeed you would probably be pushing them further towards self-harm and suicide when they found out that self-will is not enough.

There is no 'cure' as such for depression, it is a relapsing condition and sadly once you have had it, chances are you will relapse over the course of your life. All you can do is take steps to minimise the number of relapses and lessen the strength and depth of them. It is good that you are reading the self-help books and doing your research and finding courage. Well done. This is very good indeed. But you may need to accept that there is no cure as such, and if things deteriorate in the future, that you may need medication and/or counselling to help you through that bout of depression. Telling yourself you are 'cured' and then finding out 2 years from now that you are not could do you more harm emotionally than if you accepted now that it is a lifelong thing. Sorry, but better to be honest.

Well done for all you have achieved so far with it.

Wishing you of course the very best of luck.

If you tried to commit suicide, it sounds like you might have a very serious depression. If so, the books and internet research is not going to be enough. They may help, but you really need to see a doctor and perhaps a therapist.

no take your medication

it isnt a weakness to take medication, dont let yourself suffer, get some medicattion down you if you cant cope, especially if you start having suicidal thoughts again, depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain and anti depressants right that imbalance. I have had depression for years and it is only the medication that gets me back on track, you can think positive and try to will yourself well but it doesnt always work. Try it but dont be afraid to ask for help if you cant do it on your own. good luck xx

You can certainly try!

I'd suggest you give it a time limit; say, six weeks of trying 'natural' methods. If, though, by the end of that time, you are still seriously depressed, you should think about medication. It worked for you before, and life is too short to spend battling depression.

I tried several alternative remedies, the only one that worked at all was a course of chinese herbs, so I'd recommend trying this. But do ensure you go to a reputable chain; if you're in the UK, I found Herbal Inn fairly good. Just get the dried herbs they will give you after your consultation; don't be pushed into getting all the pills and drinks etc!

If you are on any other medicines at all, check with your doctor before taking chinese herbs.

If that doesn't work, you could consider herbalism, or homeopathy; again, go to an experienced practitioner.

If nothing helps, though, anti depressants can do a lot, and there are millions of people leading better lives because of them! Nobody says you have to take them forever, but there's no shame whatsoever in letting them help support you through a tough time.

Best of luck.

no

yes it does work coz it as 4 me