[onlytime]

For one of my therapy assignments, I'm supposed to come up with pleasant activities to do when I feel sad/empty. I've been trying to brainstorm for the past few days but NOTHING sounds fun/relaxing. I've asked friends for ideas and whenever they suggest things, I'm also feel like, "No, I don't feel like it". I hate being difficult; it's just that I want to find things that I might actually do.

Can anyone relate? I really just need to get out of this quicksand of depression. Sorry for being such a downer

[tigerlily84]

You're not a downer.

I had an assignment recently in which I made a list of things that I was thankful for. My T says it's a form of psychology called positive psychology, so that I could focus on the good in my life instead of the bad. And I had a really hard time with it. Finally I had to call her to get some ideas, and it's expanded from there.

If you have any hobbies that can be something to put down. You aren't being difficult. I think that when you are depressed it is incredibly difficult to think about something pleasant because it feels like nothing will ever be good again... so what's the point of thinking about anything that used to make you feel great? In a sense, it can make you even more depressed, thinking about what you're missing out on. I get that.

It can be something small. Like playing with your pet if you have one. Taking a walk. Wearing a favorite piece of jewelry. Anything at all. Perhaps your T can help you get started. You see them every week (or however often that you go) so they should know you pretty well. I hope this was helpful.

[onlytime]

Thank you so much for replying. Your validation, encouragement and gentleness is really touching

I like the idea of making a list of things I'm thankful for. I know I have a lot to be grateful for even though it doesn't always feel like it.

[NoCake]

You might try exercise. It's a good way to get active and it boosts your energy levels. It might be a bit of a chore at first but after a while it starts to feel good.

listen to music?

meditate?

watch a movie...?

[onlytime]

Thanks for the suggestions!

You might try exercise. It's a good way to get active and it boosts your energy levels. It might be a bit of a chore at first but after a while it starts to feel good

Getting into an exercise routine has been one of my goals for years, but I have a really hard time getting the energy/motivation to exercise. I'm going to try baby steps but the idea of getting to the gym just makes me want to crawl in a hole and cry

shattered sanity: thanks for the suggestions! I kind of forgot about listening to music. I mean, I usually have it on in the background when I'm doing homework or something, but I haven't JUST listened to music in a while.

[NoCake]

Originally Posted by onlytime

Thanks for the suggestions!

Getting into an exercise routine has been one of my goals for years, but I have a really hard time getting the energy/motivation to exercise. I'm going to try baby steps but the idea of getting to the gym just makes me want to crawl in a hole and cry

shattered sanity: thanks for the suggestions! I kind of forgot about listening to music. I mean, I usually have it on in the background when I'm doing homework or something, but I haven't JUST listened to music in a while.

I only did cardio at home for the first few months. I definitely wasn't up for weight training.

When you are going through depression, things just do not seem like fun for some reason. At least that's the way it is for me. One of the symptoms of depression is losing interest in things that were once pleasureable to you. I know I experience that.

I have been into working out with the weights. I've done it for so many years. But there were periods when I went into depression and then I stopped doing the work outs because I was too tired. The thing I loved doing suddenly just seemed so stupid for me. And then I would feel guilty for not doing it. I was going through that phase when I worked out just recently, and then I ended up hurting myself.

I love bike riding. Today I planned on going but the weather was bad. At first I thought it would be nice just to do nothing for today for a change. There was an article on Psych Central recently talking about having anxiety while relaxing. Well, that's me! It was nice for me to read that because I thought that I was the only one that felt that way.

[RJ78]

I really like this thread, people are so supportive and also open about their own experiences.

I can totally relate onlytime, I get so upset when I don't enjoy and can't even imagine doing things I've loved doing all of my life. When I'm in a deep depression lately, here's my list of things I try to do:

1- listen to new music (even if only as background to other stuff)
2- talk to my best friends regularly (2-3 of them)
3- eat my favourite fruit often
4- wear clothes I like
5- exercise as much as I can (usually cardio on a bike)
6- watch random comedy routines
7- go outside as much as possible
8- make my bed
9- take a shower regularly
10- come on the forum

[Inedible]

Often things don't seem fun to me when I'm by myself, but in a group of other people who are having fun with them they just seem more interesting. In other words, get involved with people who are having fun and you have better odds of having fun, too.

Maybe doing something outside, e.g. gardening might help. Then there are mindfulness exercises which might have a positive effect on your overall health. Other things that could help are meditating, yoga or walking. If I could I would love to try out Tai Chi. Ive seen people meet up early in the morning and exercising together in the parks. It looked very peaceful. I hope you can come up with something you like.

[onlytime]

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

Will19:

. The thing I loved doing suddenly just seemed so stupid for me. And then I would feel guilty for not doing it. .

That's DEFINITELY me! The vicious cycle is frustrating. I hope I can break out of it soon. I keep hoping that the motivation will just strike me, but I know I might just have to push myself to do it - but sometimes I get so mad/resentful that this has to be so much work!

RJ78: Thanks so much for sharing your list! I like the one about wearing clothes you like. I've been mainly wearing sweats since picking out clothes sounds so overwhelming, but I also know that when I think I look good, I tend to feel better. Maybe I'll actually wear something nice tomorrow. I'm sorry you've been in a deep depression lately too. Hang in there!

Inedible:

Often things don't seem fun to me when I'm by myself, but in a group of other people who are having fun with them they just seem more interesting. In other words, get involved with people who are having fun and you have better odds of having fun, too.

I've definitely found this to be true though! But when I get depressed, I tend to isolate because I'm afraid of bringing everyone around me down. But you make a really good point. I'm going to try to make plans (and not flake) over winter break.

laura8:

Maybe doing something outside, e.g. gardening might help. Then there are mindfulness exercises which might have a positive effect on your overall health. Other things that could help are meditating, yoga or walking. If I could I would love to try out Tai Chi. Ive seen people meet up early in the morning and exercising together in the parks. It looked very peaceful. I hope you can come up with something you like.

Thanks for sharing your advice! Unfortunately, it's FREEZING where I live, so it's hard to get outside. But I do want to learn more about meditation and yoga.

[kimical]

I looove hiking. Especially when there's a great view.