Hi Chris,
Welcome!
The think positively thing is a tricky one. When you are really down, it's very hard and it does sound like a load of bull but I find I have to force myself to, not so much think positive, more like, ignore the negative thoughts. It's really hard and I still end up down but then I lift again. My depression is like riding waves, there are good weeks but I know they won't last. Then there are bad weeks BUT I have to remember that they won't last either.
The ignoring the negative thoughts and dismissing them is something I must practice all the time otherwise I lose the knack!!
Right in answer to your questions...
1. See above!
2. Exercise. Definitely, I exercise loads, I've run / cycled every day this week at lunch time. The fitter I am, the better I feel. Healthy body, healthy mind etc... if you don't believe that, well, look at it this way, it's something to feel good about if you're in good shape.
3. Hmmmm... the jury is out, but definitely extreme poor diet doesn't help me. I love fatty foods, chips etc.. but the more I gorge myself, I feel like I'm feeding the demons inside me. I can't sleep if I eat too late etc... can't work out properly with a gut full of fatty food. But I have noticed that my mood drops if I don't eat enough either. So I thought my blood sugar might be a bit low. I've started taking sugar in my coffee again, and that picks me up a little. Alcohol. I probably drink too much at home with the wife. Between us we can polish off a bottle of red on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday night... But the next day I ALWAYS feel really low (and I normally don't sleep so well. So I guess for me the trick is all things in moderation, but I don't cut out all my treats!
4. No not in my family, but I think my Dad might have had tendancies, but he would never admit it and it's never been discussed.
5. Other stuff that helps me.... you play the guitar. Me too. Express yourself creatively. It's really important to make a little time available for you. I play the guitar, the piano, I draw and paint too. It's really nice to connect with what makes you tick if you get my drift. Be true to yourself, if you're a musician, don't sit and watch telly, pick up your guitar and play! Keep your brain busy... plus it gives you stuff to feel good about.
6. Additional note on exercise.... if I don't - I get grumpy... if I'm really down I often can't motivate myself either and it becomes a circle, I feel down because I didn't bother... which makes it harder to go next time..
Anyway, welcome to the club. Final bit of advice... no matter how down you feel, you MUST never give up. Always pick yourself back up.
Cheers,
G