Depressed & insomniac .what helped you other than medicines .If you ever have been in this phase, your one solution might help. Please create a safe space. Can't we ? Thanks wholeheartedly.

Been depressed since 9th grade, was on meds for a few years then stopped. Chronic depression doesn't go away, you just learn to live with it.

It's mostly rooted in some trauma or your understanding of the world . Can also be biological (for me it was all three).

Meds helped me a lot to stabilize for a good few years, but i realised it wasn't a long term solution for me. Therapy has also helped a good amount but it's a long term process. India doesn't have enough good therapists sadly, I've consulted with almost 10 different therapists and psychiatrists so far. Happy with my current therapist, we speak rarely (maybe once a year now), but he asks good questions and has good advice whenever we do.

Keeping depression and insomnia at bay basically requires you to bring some discipline in life. Making time for hobbies, exercise and diet (very important), people you like and people who like you, going on dates once in a while, learning new things, helping people/volunteering etc.

The goal is to fill your day with enough things such that you fall asleep as soon as you hit the bed. Your body needs to tire out and reset properly.

There is much to do and see in the world, make full use of your time and find good work that can consume you. Depression will be much easier to deal with.

Hi @SdeDrama
I haven’t been medically depressed But I had anxiety at one point of time, and took meds for that. Came out of it ultimately.

I know you might be in a tougher space, but here’s what I could say:

1. Making new friends, talking to people, family, old friends etc always helps. It just works. So try to do more of that.
2. Waking up when the sun is out (not too early, I could not) but just making myself go out for a walk or go to a cafe and sitting and reading/working on something I’m excited by helped
3. Watching happy content (movies/shows) always did help too

Try doing the same. What made you happy in your younger years? Try doing that. Finding yourself again is a journey, a rewarding one.

1. Step out of your comfort zone and meet new people; make friends. Go for treks and travel, a lot.
2. What are you good at? Discover/focus on a hobby by dedicating your time to it. And no, coding isn't a hobby.
3. Get yourself tired. I mean damn tired and exhausted. Workout or engage in any physical activity/sport that exhausts you so that you can fall asleep faster.
4. Sitcoms - this really helped me during my personal hell in COVID. Watch the light hearted ones. Get yourself to laugh a bit.

All said, unless you're keeping yourself distracted and engaged this is going to be a difficult thing to overcome. More of self discovery and distraction is what is required for you at this moment.

My 2 cents : As my psych suggested to me, to be able to walk past depressive episodes, you would want to have a 'support-system' in place. It could be anyone or a group. Someone who you can trust your child with (that's the level of trust you need). Someone who doesn't fuel the fire but encourages that things will turn out fine. I had reservations with sharing my 'tendencies' with family. My doctor forced me, "either you tell or I will" and I caved. To my surprise, family has been highly supportive and cooperative. They give me a safe space to vent. I can now happily say that I have no reservations at home and I can freely speak my mind. That has alleviated shit ton of pressure off of my back. So my advice would be please have someone who can cater a no-judgement environment all the while being sensible enough to guide you through.

P.S. Meds do really work. If they don't seem to be working please consult with another professional because it could be a misdiagnosis.

Check you d3 and b12 levels checked with a blood test. Then decide on motivating your self.

I’m no expert but this is what worked for me

Walking every morning in sunlight Weight lifting
Clean diet Talking to people, socialising, being open minded

Just gaining small wins everyday, keeping the momentum.

I have something which is supercheap, safe and which worked for me. Not sure if I can DM you. Lemme try.

Friends Family If you are short of above two then social groups that help in discussing your issues Sports/physical exercise - sweat it out for a better sleep and feel good factor

Most importantly, just talk and express your views.