[OneDown]

Does anyone have any strategies/tricks/tips for preventing a depressive episode. Looking at my mood chart, it appears that I am on the verge of another major depressive crash. The last one of these I had resulted in SI so strong that I ended up drafting suicide notes. I meet with my PDoc on thursday, but I know that even then if she prescribes new meds or stronger doses, they will take a while to build up in my system. My job really requires that I be alert and present to manage things and taking time off to go to the hospital (if needed) is going to raise some serious red flags and I'm worried it could cost me my career, which is one of the few things that actually keeps me going and gets me out of bed in the morning as it is.

This is going to be a very unpleasant next several days...

[wing]

I'm so glad you were able to catch this downward spiral and nip it in the bud. My cure all is exercise. There is something about exercising more than producing endorphins. It is also rhythmic breathing, which helps with anxiety.I don't mean running 5 miles...I'm talking just more than you're doing now. If you don't, start. If you do, kick it up a notch. Always works for me, as hard as it is to drag myself into doing it. And I force myself into the shower every day. Harder to be depressed when I'm clean and fresh. Easier to stay isolated when dirty.

Wish you the best, hang in...it always passes.

[GreenIvy]

Some things that I have used that have helped me on occasion are getting outside on a sunny day and doing something or listening to loud upbeat music. I know both of these things can trigger me into a hypomanic state and use that to try and pull me out of the depression. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

[Ryask]

buy something fun..just for you..a little pick me up rekindling a new or old interest?

[Onward2wards]

* Biggest thing I find helps: deliberately focus on what you want to achieve, not on what you're afraid might happen (or not happen). This takes some practice.
* Positive affirmations (they work for me anyway).
* Let yourself daydream, and brainstorm solutions to any problems on your mind. Do this after you practice a relaxation exercise.
* Make sure you engage in activities you know you enjoy.
* Remind yourself of what you have accomplished every single day. Be sure to congratulate yourself for your accomplishments, no matter how small. This alleviates that "wheels spinning" feeling. Celebrate your victories!
* Get physical exercise.
* Make sure you are eating a balanced diet, use vitamin supplements if needed, and stay hydrated.
* Take some deep regular breaths, try to empty your mind by focusing on breathing or things that you know calm you, then challenge any recurring negative thoughts you've been struggling with. In a stressed out state, negative thoughts can "argue back" and begin to look more rational than they really are.