When dealing with depression?
- Thread starter MrDawn
- Start date
D
Deleted member 49125
What helps is to have a list of when you are NOT depressed (anxious, stressed) of things that you like to do. When we are in those funks, we tend to think the worst & even can forget what we like. But when you have a list you created & can refer back on, you don't have to Think, you just have to Do.
Some people add in motivational quotes. Have a song that uplifts them. A list of family & friends they can call, email, or text.
Another thing that helps me is to help another. Focusing on others doesn't stop the funk, but it helps me feel good about myself which helps me overcome the funk quicker. You're not denying your feelings, you're just diverting the focus on something else until the mood lifts naturally. 🙂
The thing that helps me the most, and I realize this is going to sound ridiculously counter-intuitive, but I have a playlist of songs on YouTube that is all depressing, sad, hard subject matter music. It makes me feel connected knowing someone else feels what I'm feeling, particularly when depression turns towards ideation of...unaliving? That happens a lot, and it takes a lot to drag me back. Other things that help are distractions, or even distraction exercises, like the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 exercise. 5 things you see, 4 things you hear, 3 things you smell, 2 things you can touch, 1 thing you can taste. My therapist taught me that one and I use it quite a bit to move my mind forward.
D
Deleted member 49125
Everybody is different. It's what works for the individual. For me, listening to sad songs or watching sad shows makes me feel worse but I can understand how it can HELP another feel better.
I like that 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 exercise! I actually have it written down as I remember you posting it on another forum 🙂
Sometimes the horror movies are so far-fetched, it can help one escape from reality as well.
Yep, absolutely! It works for me but I understand why it wouldn't work for most.
I love it, lol, when I'm super anxious it works, as well, because it gets your mind focusing on something else.
I tend to listen to music I love and get lost in the music. I avoid sad and depressing songs, my spouse does the opposite though. Sometimes I'll play a game I haven't played in a while too.
Reading a book can sometimes help get me out of the funk. Video games is my biggest thing because I get very immersed into games and they aren't depressing inducing.
Sometimes I create a me day, go get myself my Starbucks drink or a special treat somewhere. Usually my depression comes from my inner self being exhausted with life so I just take a short break.
I've been considering anti-depressants lately as it has been observed that I'm more outwardly struggling by my friends. I'm giving myself this summer to kind of pick myself up though and see how it goes.
Sometimes I create a me day, go get myself my Starbucks drink or a special treat somewhere. Usually my depression comes from my inner self being exhausted with life so I just take a short break.
I've been considering anti-depressants lately as it has been observed that I'm more outwardly struggling by my friends. I'm giving myself this summer to kind of pick myself up though and see how it goes.
If you do try anti-depressants, don't give up if the first one doesn't work wonders. I've been on a fair few different ones trying to find the right balance. Right now Fluoxetine is working for me, but before that Bupropion was doing alright until it wasn't. I've had to couple it with Armodafinil, but at least I've found something that gets me out of bed in the morning.
Thanks for your input! I’m glad you’ve found something that is working for you! I haven’t talked to my doctor about it yet but will keep that in mind!
I'm always here if you've ever got questions or just want to chat about things. I've been everywhere from mildly sad to less than half an inch away from not being here. I know the pain. If you need me, I'm here!
Affiliates
