What do you do during depression? (strategies)

I've noticed that usually what works for me is anything that attaches me to materiality, if that makes sense. It usually translates by things related to food, such as cooking shows, having a nice restaurant for once, or simply cooking. Not necessarily eating; it's just to remind me of my basic needs, to prove myself that I'm still alive. Watching stuff that is funny or make me laugh or just relieves me from my emotional capital (watching videos or pregnancy announcements or soldiers homecomings used to be favourite of mine). Video games to, to escape reality.

You probably know this, but if you have enough energy - I know it's usually not the case for me, writing is very relieving too. Even if it's the darkest stuff ever written. It's just about sharing empathy with "something else".

I know it might not sound useful, but I'll be honest: when you're depressed, really depressed, anything that keeps you alive is useful. Basic survival is what it is. It's a disease. Sorry for not being very helpful galaxim, but please believe that I care about you and I know you'll feel better.

If I recall some other elements I'll share them immediately.

 

I most, most definitely recommend gardening, so much. Actually, when you think about it, a lot of religions include a part of worship or at least respect of Nature, and if you are religious, you tend to turn to religion when you're depressed (I speak for myself of course). So it does not surprise me that turning to Nature, gardening, food, stuff like that when you're depress is healing, or at least calming. Oh I also recall, I browse a huge lot of stuff relating to home decoration when I'm depressed. Again, materiality. Stuff that is real you know, that's tangible, that you can feel and touch and stuff.

To be honest I didn't had much use of the stopwatch recently. I have found that despite what I thought, I'm very spontaneous. Coupled to my level of dedication and commitment, it makes a pretty powerful work tool. I basically spent my entire life working these days, no time for any procrastination. Also, I am totally unable to limit myself, I know know, understand and respect this. I try to prevent situations that would require a stopwatch, y'kna. I'm still very interested in the Kratos article. I've actually built a meditation habit but gave up because I was feeling too "bound" to it? I'm weird.

Thinking of you bro, bon courage!

 

I suffered from pretty debilitating depression for a long time. Anything that takes your attention off yourself is probably good. Yoga has been maybe the biggest thing for me in recent years. And you don't have to be in great shape to do it. Just find a beginners class or an open level class and go at your own pace. I'm lucky to have a good place near me. If I'm depressed and I go to a yoga class, it'll be difficult, I'll usually cry and get angry during class, but at the end of class I'm new. Instead of holding onto the anger and sadness I've moved it. And I'll usually sleep well and feel much better the next day.

I'm a teacher and when I'm depressed I don't want to teach. But I go anyway and during the class my depression vanishes. I think it must be because my attention is not on myself when I'm teaching. It's on other people.

Also, when you're depressed your brain won't want to do anything. But you can do it anyway (whatever it is) and you'll feel better for it. We're not slaves to our depressed (or addicted brains).

*there are also free yoga videos and apps that are excellent if you can't get to a class. But I highly recommend a class. There's something more powerful about a group class with an experienced and supportive instructor.

 

I wish I had one. I just went through a couple of depressive days and am back on my feet again, even though absolutely nothing in my "external" life changed. It is irritating not to be able to control your states of mind properly - or not even knowing ways of tackling the problem. I have been trying to develop a sort of internal mental balance that is there regardless of external factors, to equalize my energy and mood levels, but I guess hardships are the shit that actually give our lives any taste. After all, we'd never be happy if we didn't know the life's gloomy side. Besides, I'mz sure interactions with worthy humans would help me a lot - sadly enough, I hardly have any friends. Certainly none that I can visit or call anytime.

 

Hi! I have found that I oftentimes feel lonely when i`m depressed. I normally feel a lot better after spending some time with friends. Also working out often helps a little. And no matter how bad I feel i`m almost always able to read in a book or meditate. I should have been to a therapist by now actually but I just never find the courage to go.

 

Yeah and I almost forgot one thing I often do when I feel like nothing matters. I yust lie down on the bed and try to observe my feelings. I yust lie there and wait for a positive tought, and when it arrives then I can act on it.