Can someone fight/overcome depression themself?

Yes you can!! I admire the fact that you want to do everything in your power to make yourself happy. This pumps me up man, really does. Good luck with your endeavor, my friend! You are not alone :)

Wow dude, with that kind of determination of course you can do it!

That's awesome to hear, I really hope everything works out for you!

people need people. you cant fix it alone.

I'm really glad you are trying hard to overcome it (unlike most depressed people who just lay in bed all day). I really hope everything works out and you get better soon! However, I have been dealing with depression for a few years now, and I tried doing all hose things too, which never helped me. I guess it depends on the severity of the situation. I hope everything goes well with you! =]

Yes I did by myself.

I think you can. You need to find something that is meaningful to you and do it. For some people it is a sport, for others it's their bodies ( ie. being in shape, looking good, having lots of friends and feeling wanted). College is an easier time than after college for this as there is a lot of people around, so a lot of potential friends and things to do to keep your mind off of being down. Good luck!

Because it went away does not mean you overcame it..it means it went away..you cycled out of it

-applause- go for it :)

A therapist will motivate you to get out of your depression, he will give you advice and show you ways to handle your emotions. You obviously take initiative, which most people in your situation don't, so I guess you function as your own therapist.

The worst part about the depression battle is that its something you will have to fight for your entire life. I dont want to write this to bring you down, but its the truth, its something that you will fight all the time.

You can still live a long and satisfying life, but you will fight it all the time.

join EA group. :)

I want to get out of my depression as well. I cover it up in front of other people but I think sometimes people notice but they never guess that I am depressed, they just think I am boring, but I cannot tell them as it is so hard to reveal why I am depressed. My parents even asked why and I couldn't say.

I think that your plan of working out and joining in will help improve you a lot. Working out will tire you out and make you think about things less and talking to people will give you the social aspect of life. You are going the right way about it. Good luck :)

I was going through depression a few years back. i was suicidal... i tried killing myself 3 times.. and well wasn't successful of course.i didnt know what to do, i didn't want to go to a mental hospital because then i would feel like i was weird and something was very wrong with me.Then i realized i had to ignore it and move on. little by little i over came it. its just that the things that are holding you back. you have to find things that keep you busy and just keep throwing the bad things bad and look into the future. that what i did. it helped me, but once again everybody is different..

Depends on how long you've been depressed for, I suppose.
My depression is more habitual than anything at this point, I suppose. It's just how I've always been. A veteran pessimist.

I was depressed a few years ago, like horribly depressed, that year was a nightmare for me.
I got over it eventually, though. By myself.

Afterwards, I appreciate being happy so much, I am really optimistic and look forward to a great future.

I get really scared of being depressed again, though. I try hard not to think about philosphical questions, as that is what got me depressed in the first place.

Don't listen to those who say you can't do it.. you are obviously a special person who is ready to commit your time and effort to fix your life! This is a really inspiring poll and I fully support you as long with all of these wonderful people who posted here:)

i didn't need meds to beat depression. exercise and community service (and anything else that will focus you on others) are great ideas i use myself. kudos on quitting the weed too.

depression increases the odds of committing suicide, you have increased chances of dieing while in the process of trying to cure your depression

It all depends on the severity of the depression and how long you had it ...minor , short term depressions can usually be overcome with some healthy techniques....but long term or major ones can't be overcome so easily ....it is very understandable to not want to go on meds right away...I would try counseling first...someone you can talk to honestly and trust...however, some people do have chemical imbalances that require medication

Well, you may be able to do it. Everyone has their own method to deal with depression. Personally, I would be in a lot worse shape without my anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. I would never live life without them anymore! But who knows, you may be able to do it. :-) Good luck!

as Tehboss (77697) said, some support will be very helpful. if you don't have anyone to talk to, find a therapist. i looked for one and a half years to find someone that didn't just tell me what i wanted to hear. discovery is an adventure.

I think you'll be able to do it. I hate when you see a psychiatrist and he labels you and insists that you need shit medications, that do more harm then good. I thought weed helped with depression?

I have mood swings. I minute i'm feeling neutral the next I'm suicidal.
I've had periods of depression, that almost always lead to me plotting my suicide... I've gotten some what better.... I like your plan. It sounds very positive and I hope it'll work:)

yes you will be able to overcome depression like that just add someone you can talk to and you are set (have defeated the depression with exercise and motivational coaching and someone to talk to) good luck :D if you needs help just drop me a line and i can listen :D

the battle can never be won. Depression is a mutherfu*cker that likes to come back.

I have been wondering the same lately and have the same idea about anti-depressants, no good. Strongs man! You can do this.