Rob

I have been depressed before and even taken drugs to counteract its effects. I’ve learned a lot over the years and there is a very simple solution to curing depression that is drug free and never mentioned by your family doctor. Please don’t beat yourself up about not eating right or exercising when you’re chronically depressed. The secret I am going to share with you will require some discipline but will not require you to eat properly or exercise at first. Don’t get me wrong, I want you to eat properly and exercise, but first you need to get out of the blue funk called depression. From there you can plan and implement your way back to better spiritual and physical health.

Please don’t think I’m some kind of wacko when you hear how simple it is to cure depression. First I want you to think about your body for a moment. Ready? What percentage of your entire body is water? The correct answer is approx 75%. What percentage of your brain is water? The correct answer is approx 85%. In fact your brain contains more water than any other organ or other part of your body. When we become depressed our brain chemistry changes and what initially started out as a reaction to the normal traumas and stresses of life later becomes an ongoing chemical imbalance in our brains. Anti-depression drugs work on changing our brain chemistry but there is a simpler way that will also result in weight loss. Answer and Simple Secret: Drink more water.

That is a simple solution but the fact is you will find lots of reasons why you cannot drink enough water. It’s a daily discipline for me and from necessity I have come up with some rules that help me drink enough water otherwise I would always fall short. I know from experience that drinking enough water requires discipline and planning. If you’re used to drinking hot coffee or tea in the morning you will need to get about 1/2 of your daily water intake consumed before enjoying your favorite hot caffeinated beverage. At a minimum you should drink 1.5 quarts of water the first thing in the morning before you brush your teeth or even take a shower or put on your clothes. But 1.5 quarts is just the beginning.

If you want to cure depression how much water should you drink? Answer: Drink 1/2 ounce of water per pound of your current body weight. Don’t count fruit juice, soda, coffee or teas towards this personalized daily intake of water. If you weigh 200 lbs you need a minimum of 100 ounces of water per day (more than 3 quarts or 12 eight ounce glasses of water). To that amount you need to add additional water equal to the quantity of caffeinated beverages you drink daily since caffeine is a diuretic. When you start working up a sweat you’ll add another quart of water for every hour you exercise and add additional water if your working physically or outside in the heat.

I guarantee that if you follow this protocol your depression will be gone within two weeks and probably sooner. You will likely notice a huge change in the first day. The trick is getting enough water because typical lifestyles and dietary habits interfere with our ability to consume enough water. Make sure you get 1/4 teaspoon of celtic salt per quart of water you drink everyday to make sure you don’t wash out your electrolytes. You can put the salt on your food and even take it directly on your tongue periodically during the day. You have two oceans of water within your body; one inside your cells and another outside your cells. Drinking water replenishes the water inside your cells while salt replenishes water outside your cells by keeping the correct balance of water inside and out. Make sense?

You’ll find at first that you’re running to the bathroom all the time. But after a week or two your body will adapt and your restroom runs will significantly lessen. If you make it your priority to drink enough water everyday you’ll find you’ll naturally eat better too. For example, if you’re accustomed to drinking soda I am certain you will not be able to drink enough water without reducing or eliminating your soda intake. It’s that simple. For more information see WaterCure. I have all of Dr. F. Batmanghelidj's books on my bookshelf and I have experienced an unbelievable improvement in my general sense of well being from following his advice (not to mention eliminating all anti depression drugs). Try this and let me know how much better you feel. Steve

Wow, I need to try this. Off to get some water..

hmmm interesting? doesnt hurt to try it except a few extra bathroom runs! lol

Depression just say no - It sucks the joy out of life!

Water Cure 2
Biggest Loser Fitness - Drinking Water - Prevention.com

From what I have been reading in a few days your body should start getting used to the new level of fluids. Althouhg on busy days at work it is hard for me to find time to go to the ladies room. Uggh!

I suffered from extreme depression from 1990 (my first prescription of PROZAC) -2003. This depression put me in very frightening situations. Depression was an addiction, it became me.

Then one day.............I let it go. Remember, visualization is a POWERFUL thing.

MOMENTUM

The more I talk about fitness, the more intuned I become with it.
The more I talk about God, the more connected I am with him.
The more I talk about tight legs, the more they show up.
The more I talk about a beautiful smile, the bigger it gets.
The more I talk about my love for life, the more I fall in love with my being.
The more I talk about my great shoulders, the more defined they get.
The more I I talk about positive energy, the more it comes to me.
The more I talk about helping others, the more beautiful life becomes.

Law of Reciprocation, what you focus on, you will recieve.................Focus on the positive and giving forces in life. Focus on adversity as phenomenal spiritual growth and a very invaluable life enhancing gift.

When I stepped out of the egoic me, and volunteered as a coach with the Special Olympics, I was hit with a lightning rod. I got it. I get it. I live it.

Depression.......... stop the momentum.

When I think life is rough, I remember to serve another coaching position, adopt one more family at Christmas, or volunteer at the Austin Sunshine Camps; where $15 shoes are a luxury for 1200 impoverished kids (and an even larger waiting list)

Give momentum to what emphatically gives back...........You will start living the life you dream, one full of understanding.

Wow Clarissa! Very powerful....true words!!!! Words to live by!

Fantastic, Clarissa! Act our way to a better way of thinking, better way of living...

I have to try some of these things as I am letting this get worse. the road I am on is turning out to be the wrong decision and I can see a train wreck coming.

Hello Rob,

I strongly suggest you take a look at "gloomraider's" blog entry titled "Victim, Survivor or Thriver"!

The starting point is always in our mindset. What kind of self-talk are you engaged in? By this I mean, we talk ourselves into and out of things/situations all day long. People are conditioned to be very reactive to their perceptions. It's tough at first, but try to be more pro-active. Start by being more aware of your self-talks. We have these conversations every time we make a decision. Sometimes they are short and sweet.. ie:
ME: "should I grab a gallon of milk on the way home?"

MYSELF: " I'm not sure if we already have any, but you should get some just to be safe."

DONE... OVER WITH...

Then there are the times it goes a little deeper....

ME: "Man, I'm tired. The kids are wearing me out. I planned to go to the gym, but I'm not feelin' it."

MYSELF: "If you skip the gym, you could take a nap."

AND I: "If you GO to the gym you'll feel better!"

MYSELF: "Well.. if I take a nap maybe I'll feel better."

At this point... it can go two ways. Are you giving in to the negative and listen to MYSELF? Or can you let the negative fuel your decisions to be positive and pro-active and listen to AND I?

We will always have these self-talks. I am the first to admit that I'm not at 100% positive. I give in to the negative occassionally.... Don't beat yourself up about it. Just commit to do better with the next one.

One of my favorite quotes from Bill Phillips is, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." This helped carry me through a number of different areas in my life (at the gym, home and at work). Do we always plan? No, but when you end up in a situation that you didn't see coming, STOP, SLOW DOWN and really take a look at all the variables, because you will actually get through it faster if you take a minute and come up with a plan. We will often make quick reactive decisions and end up having to do things over, even multiple times to get it right. So... slow down, you'll go faster!! You need to come to the understanding that you are worth spending time on (whether it be planning, eating, gym, work ... whatever). I would venture to say that just about everyone here, has had to come to this realization in just the same way. We all have different triggers and different circumstances that have made us doubt our self-worth, but the neccessity to understand our own worth is there for all of us. Make no mistake, you are WORTH IT!!!!!!

When we struggle with ourselves about spending time on US... we tend to tell ourselves (more of that self talk) that we are being "selfish" or that "we don't deserve it". But in truth.... when we gift ourselves that time, and that energy to improve and move forward... we all the sudden have more energy and time for everyone we love!! After awhile, we realize that we have even MORE energy than that, and we can give of ourselves to volunteer in our kids' classroom, chaperone a trip with 30 teenagers, coach a little league team or give time to a non-profit benefiting those in need. Going to the gym gives me MORE energy... than taking a nap when I'm feeling down and unmotivated....and... my mood is better, my tolerance for my children being children is better, I have more patience and I have more of ME to GIVE to others. Then, your children see it and they want to help. That's when you turn another corner and start feeling grateful for everything you have and are. This elevates you spiritually to a whole new level.



One thing that you have said, concerns me more than anything else. And that is... that you have turned to drinking to unwind and that you are drinking in an increasing frequence. My question is are you really just relaxing and unwinding? or are you running away and escaping? Alcohol in and of itself is a depressent. If you are dealing with depression (which it's very possible you are but I'm not a doctor), then alcohol will NEVER be the answer. On the other hand, getting out and gifting yourself the time to take a brisk walk or bike ride can have the opposite effect. In addition to getting your blood pumping, and increasing your oxygen intake (that'll wake up your system), your body will release natural endorphins that will make you feel BETTER.

Soooooo.... after all of that, I'll say it again. YOU ARE WORTH THE GIFT OF TIME AND SELF ATTENTION! Be pro-active in your self talk and become a thriver (referring to gloomraider's blog again).

You are in my prayers! I will be checking in on you!!

Snowtwister

Rightlight, I needed to hear that today! Thank you

I have been trying really hard at battling the self talk. I was actually doing OK for a few days after my vacation but that is fading again fast. I am still trying to be aware of my action especially around my kids and wife not to react and instead to think about the situation and approach it in a good way. This has been very good. I was ready to take the next step to plan the meals for the week and starting looking in the refrigerator/freezer the night before shopping and I got frustrated and dropped the whole idea. There is NO room in the freezer for anything and not much room in the refrigerator. Instead of arguing with my wife like I used I just closed the refrigerator and walked away from the upsetting situation. It is what it is. Is that an excuse - yes it could be but I do not see an easy solution to get around it.

My drinking is an escape. Calms my stress levels and hides allot pf pain that I feel always. You mentioned going for a walk or bike ride - great ideas - but maybe its me but I have never felt GOOD after a workout. I usually feel sicker and more in pain afterwards.

I am trying to work on this still and was hoping to take the 2009 challenge but that does not look feasible at this time.

Thanks you for the post - It does make allot of sense if I can get it to sink into my head.

I still just do not understand why I can not get through this. I am successful at work, I have a family, 2 healthy kids, a house, cars and a boat. I was even able to quit smoking 8 years ago. Yet I am not happy with myself.

One thing that I have changed since coming to this site is to not blame ANYONE but MYSELF for what I have become. No one did this to me and no one is going to get me out of this but myself if there is an out. I have given up faith in doctors. I have given up on hoping for support from family and friends. If they support me then great if not then oh well. None of them are going to be able to eat the right foods for me and none of them are going to workout for me and none of them are going to make my mind at ease.

Check this out, Rob (and anyone else) It's a Ralph Marston insight...and a beauty at that. I hope his words may help you in some way:

"Negative habts are harmful not only because of the undesirable results to which they lead. They also steadily weaken your self control.

By giving in to a negative impulse, you are giving up some of the ability you have to live a positive, fulfilling life. You are sacrificing the real meaning in your life in order to experience a shallow,fleeting pleasure.

When carried too far, the negative habits cease to bring even momentary pleasure. By that time, you've probably forgotten that there's another choice.

Yet there is always a much more fulfilling and life-affirming way. That way is self control. As soon as you choose positive self control, not only do you avoid the destructive behavior, you also build more strength to do so. Positive,productive habits can become even stronger than negative,destructive ones.

Self control is not the easy way, for it takes effort and commitment. It is, however the BEST way and it is something you can surely exercise when you understand how very far ahead it will take you."

Hello Rob!!

Congratulations on being so self aware! It's not an easy thing to do at first. Just keep up the good work and don't beat yourself up!

I've dealt with depression and there is nothing fun or feel good about it. I think I battled it on and off for years. I turned to food (nobody tells you not to eat, right?). It got pretty bad. I was a binger (no purging.. just straight up chow down closet binging).

I'm 5'6" and weighed in at 227 pounds at my heaviest. My depression hit it's lowest point in March of 2007 and I started having anxiety attacks. They were debilitating. Fortunately for me, both my bosses (I worked two full time jobs) were extremely understanding and supportive. Just to give you an idea... I was sent home early during one exceptionally bad anxiety attack. My husband (who was absolutely lost in trying to help me... he tried soooo hard) tried to lighten things up and said, "let's go pick up a movie." I burst into tears!!!! I went into another full blown attack sobbing about how i couldn't make any decisions. Looking back I feel so bad for him..... he just wanted to make it all go away for me and all he could do was hold me. After feeling like I was barely surviving, I decided that I needed to do SOMETHING. I hadn't had a physical in over 12 years... since the birth of my youngest child. I decided to start there.

I did end up on antidepressents. I agree that this can be highly frustrating. I was placed on Welbutrin. It's actually pretty mild and doesn't carry with it the side effect of gaining weight or reducing your sex drive (something that was nearly non-existent to begin with). The doctor said he would start with that one, because of these two factors alone. He didn't want me to start gaining weight and to stop taking them. Welbutrin did the trick.... and actually I felt more motivated. Antidepressents are trial and error drugs. What works for one... doesn't work for another. I stayed on antidepressents for right at one year. I was one of the lucky ones. I have been off of them since June of 2008.

You spoke of alcohol helping to "hide a lot of pain that I feel always". I'm understanding this to be an emotional pain as opposed to physical pain? Have you been through any talk therapy? Sometimes this is just what someone might need. A kind ear to help you process emotions. As much as I wanted my husband to be that person, he wasn't always as supportive as he is now.... He just wanted to "fix it". I ended up talking to a therapist for my depression and eventually I asked him to attend ONE session with me. He did, and was able to better understand that he couldn't FIX IT.. but he COULD show empathy and provide a positive support for me. He then helped to recognize my successes instead of my failures or struggles. It sounds like there is tension in your interactions with your spouse and tension tends to be thicker with things we don't completely comprehend or we feel is out of our control (meaning, she doesn't fully understand what you are going through, and she would probably like to just "FIX IT" but she can't and she's frustrated).

As far as feeling better after a full blown workout. That comes with time (a consistent couple weeks)... and you need to start SMALL. Make a small fully attainable goal for yourself. A brisk walk doesn't have to be MILES long. It could be to the end of a long driveway to check the mail... or around the block.... or down the road 5 houses and back.....Whatever you choose to measure the walk is fine, but remember small and attainable. Then you need to celebrate the fact that you DID IT!! Don't beat yourself up for it not being far enough.. or fast enough. If you're feeling sicker after the walk or bike ride.. you did too much. Scale it back. Start smaller! Your body is talking to you. Say you do the 5 houses down and back for one week..... on the 8th and 9th day go down 6 houses and so on. As you get into it... you will learn when you body is saying "WHOA!!! TOO MUCH!!" and when it's saying "Okay.. that was tough but I'll recover." You begin to look forward to the soreness of your body telling you "that was tough, but I'll recover" because you recognize that soreness (NOT PAIN) as PROGRESS. If you are sore for over 48 hours, you did too much, scale it back.

Okay.... now... the fridge/freezer. This might seem crazy... but do you have a garage? I can't believe you came up against this, because so did I..lol
I didn't feel comfortable telling everyone else they had to eat as restricted as I was (but figured that eventually they would follow my example)..... so I got a fridge out of the classifieds and put it in our garage!!! It was for MY food ONLY!!!.... well.... guess what... everyone did eventually start following my example and the fridge in the garage basically became our ice chest for BBQ's and entertaining overflow stufffffff......

One more thing. You said that through this site you have learned not to "blame" anyone but yourself.

LEt's rephrase that..... How about you say, "Own it".... BUT!!! The condition is that you have to "OWN" your successes (no matter how small) as well. You questioned why you "can't get through this".... YOU ARE GETTING THROUGH IT! There is no fast track out..... small attainable choices/goals....You've made some great choices already! You said you quit smoking, that probably wasn't easy. AND.. I am willing to bet you may have not been successful on your first attempt. Alexander Graham Bell failed 14 times before he was successful with the telephone.

You can do this! Don't give up on YOU!!!!

PS: I didn't realize this was sooooooo long, I just typed and typed. You can ignore me if ya want, sorry if I'm too wordy! :-)

Thanks for the reply.

Yes I have made step in the right direction and that is a good thing.

The pain I am referring to is chest, back, lower back pains that I have all the time and no DR has been able to figure it out. It is a constat fear when my chest starts throbbing and your mind start thinking - Is this it?

Hi Rob, I've been thinking about you and hoping you were feeling better.

I wonder if your physical pain is stemming from your depression.

Would you try to change one negative habit into a positive habit? Just choose one thing. Not even the one that gives you the most trouble, but maybe one small thing, like biting nails or whatever. Just do it for 21 days. THen keep the positive habit and choose another one you want to change and do it for 21 days. Little by little you'll find you are eating right, working out, etc.

You're right- no one can do it for you, so you've got to commit to yourself to give it a try. Join us on Jan. 1 and use this 18 weeks to change one step at a time. Check in with us. We'll halp you make it, but you've got to help us help you.

I can't help but think what an important person you are! You have all these friends that care about you, and are trying very hard to help you. There's not much I can add that everyone hasn't already said, but I want you to know I am here for you too. You can write me or call me, if you want someone to chat with.

PS: stabbing pains in the back and chest on the right side are sometimes gallbladder pains that occur after eating heavy fats like a week of pizza? Do you belch a bit during the pain? (Just a thought)

Hi All,

Thanks for the help and I am hoping to do something good about this shortly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldehiker PS: stabbing pains in the back and chest on the right side are sometimes gallbladder pains that occur after eating heavy fats like a week of pizza? Do you belch a bit during the pain? (Just a thought)

Oldehiker - they are on the left side. I did go for some testing for the gall bladder and there was some crystals in my gall bladder test. I have yet to go for the sonogram since the pains are on the left side not the right side. Thanks for the tip. I would love to get rid of that feeling.

Also a person emailed me regarding depression and how it affected her life. I accidentally deleted the email before I could respond. If you are that person can you send me an email so I can write back. I am not ignoring you..

Thanks

Rob

Rob,

I hope you are doing well... the black cloud of depression is a "bit..". I have been there, just enough that I now can see the black cloud when it is trying to form.

Wellbutrin helped me when I was fighting depression over both my husband and I being unemployed at the same time. It helped break up the black cloud and allowed me to fight through the tough times.

Also support from my BFL friends help. Another resource is Celebrate Recovery. See if any churches in your are offering it. It is a 12 step plan to help anyone get over thier "Funk". A dear friend of mine who has sever depression is finally seeing the light with the program.

Good Luck!

Hey Meg! How true about being able to recognize when depression starts to rear it's ugly head.

I live in Alaska and the winters can trigger bouts with depression due to the darkness. And to top that off, I work on the north slope (Prudhoe Bay oil fields) where the sun doesn't come up above the horizon for 56 days. A lot of people have happy lights up here! LOL

The weather alone can put mose people into a funk. The happy light helps and sometimes I go tanning with at a salon with UVA beds (the non-burning beds). I always feel better after that.

That level of self awareness is key to battling. Recognizing it and rebutting it before it can take hold. I have a great positive support network in place for me and these bouts. My husband battles SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and our extreme weather doesn't help. Maybe we'll "snowbird" it. :-)