Ask HN: How did you deal with depression?

Seems to be consensus here, but exercise really helped me to stabilize my mood and bring back my positive stoicism. Still have trouble getting motivated, but at least I have these days where I passionately follow some new thing into the rabbit-hole.

Exercise. Scientifically proven to make you feel happier. Whenever you're feeling down bust out some reps. After a few months you will feel great, sleep like a baby, and look amazing too!

It was hard at times: when you hit a slump you want to stay in that slump - it was hard fighting my way out, but it can be done.

"Stop and smell the roses." Take the time to notice the beauty in things around you: both nature and concrete. I'm talking about the most sublime things. I first noticed it one night when I was driving home - the lights were reflecting off this dirty little dam of no significance, but for some reason I noticed it and for some reason it was beautiful. For a very long time after that I would make a point of noticing that little spot every day on the way home. Out of that habit I then started noticing more and more things. When you become depressed use that happy place as an anchor and hold onto it.

I realized that I used to think the same way as a kid: everything in the world was wondrous and happy - I think everyone forgets how to see the world that way. Re-learn that mindset.

Be very respectful toward alcohol, cannabis and caffeine. Too much of any will set you back.

Finally, something like 80% of the human race has a 5-MTHF deficiency (for genetic reasons, Google it). It presents as vitamin B deficiency and is therefore often misdiagnosed as depression and some learning disabilities (including trouble concentrating). If you can't get it from a chemist (I can't, 3rd world too) check herbal/homeopathy stores (which is how I get it). Speak to your doctor before taking it and ask for advice, you'll need to take it for quite a while before you start noticing a difference - 2 to 4 weeks at least.

Believe in yourself because I believe in you, I know you can do it. If at all possible get meds.

A1. First, if you are from Russia — run ASAP. It will never get better. I did 4 years ago, never had anything resembling depression since that.

A2. If your country is OK (e.g. suicide rate there is less than 15 per 100000 people per year), I think you need to search for the intersection between things you have passion for, and things that are paid well. After you will find that intersection, I think you will get better. You see, when you was a kid, just following your passion was enough for happiness. In the adult world, however, you also need some financial independence for that.

A3. There are other things, like alcoholism or herbal medicine, but I generally do not recommend those to young people.

My doctor (in the UK) strongly recommended 4 before 1 for several friends. I think only one used medication in the end.