[Fuzzy Numbers]

I need some insightful ideas of what to help your depression when your depressed. Like when your just down and wanna cry and give up, what do you do? I listen to music. It soothes me and fits my mood which in return, makes it better.

Yes, turning to music is a good thing & it works but when you turn it off you'll feel like coming back to square one. Submerging yourself in water relax & soothes your tensed muscles or massage or try submerging your feet in water whilst standing on a beech & meditating with the sound of the tides with full concentration(It's magical).

[gayleggg]

I try to sleep to escape and listen to relaxation cds. Sometimes I can read.

a bottle full of pills?

[Silent Void]

Music just makes me cry. I watch a good movie to get me out of reality. For two hours I am someone and somewhere else.

I also read books. Same effect as a movie only they occupy your mind a little longer. I'd be lost without books and film.

[regretful]

I think I used to manage it by drinking; but I did that to such excess that I made some very bad decisions. Now I am working on coping by changing the 'all or nothing" and "catastrophic" thinking that I do. Medication is probably going to be the other aspect of this course of treatment. I don't want to be depressed forever...And I know I won't be...Other things that have helped in the past have been exercise, and the proper diet.

[adam_k]

When things are really bad and I can only think about hurting myself I try to sleep. Sometimes I can and others I take meds.

When things are more bearable but still difficult I try to break things down and just do what I need to get through the day. Getting dressed, going to work, eating and taking care of myself

I also try to do things that take my mind off of how bad I feel. Maybe playing a game, watching TV or forcing myself to go visit a friend.

Not sure if it is feasible or right for you but sex helps me feel better. I am married so sex is readily available for me. I don't think going and sleeping with a random person would help matter.

Some people say exercise helps them. I found it doesn't do much for me.

Anti-depressants help me. More for al of the physical symtpoms, fatigue, difficulty concentrating etc.

I also go to therapy which helps.

[smmath]

I have found that meditation helps me when I am depressed. I am one of those people that likes to deal with things head on. So when I am feeling depressed, I try to figure out why. I do a lot of thinking. I also like to write things down if I have the time to do so. But if I have to relive the depression to get in a better mood, I like to play games on the internet, or even on PC.

[Ubermensch]

Well, this may sound different, but I really focus on whatever is causing me to be depressed, or try to discover it if I don't already know. I focus on this in contrast to the emotions I'm feeling. I find that focusing on the actual situation and facts and trying to work on a solution, just like a mind puzzle, makes my feelings lessen. I know a popular answer is to keep yourself busy so that you don't have time to think about everything. You know, clean your house, wash your car, etc..., it's always some distraction to keep your mind off it, but just as a personal philosophy I don't like the idea of running away from your problems. Plus I think my method helps because it forces me to use the rational part of my brain, rather than the emotional part, so I tend to feel better. Good luck! Hope you find something that works for you!

[sassygirl12]

Dogs are helpful my dogs haven't left my side cause I've Bern desspressed for almost 2 days. Now

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[seeminglyreal]

Unfortunately there isn't much to do when depression hits hard. I usually just take a nap when I'm at home or wallow in my sadness if I'm nowhere near a bed.

[sassygirl12]

I'm on a couch I've just layed here the whole day

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[Sector7]

I have found that nothing helps and I can only distract myself so much. Talking to my close friend does distract me well enough to get me through the night until I need to sleep. But that also only does so much.

[Denman]

I agree with Ubermensch. Many sources will recommend that we keep "busy". I don't always think that is such a great idea, looking always for something to do to occupy your mind and distract you from the depressive episode you are having. I prefer to attempt to determine what is going on at the moment that brought on the episode.

[badmouse]

I'm a game enthusiast. I get out the DS and play for as long as I can keep up.

Also I write good-bye letters. That really helps.

I try to hang out with friends and absorb some of their energy. Depending on what kind of music it is I can literally make myself feel even worse haha so it's a dangerous game for me. Or I just sleep early and try again the next day!

[River11]

Really liking lots of these replies and 'strategies' !

And I agree that it's generally preferable to confront, work through etc sources of inner problems; however, when there's nothing you're actually depressed about, not even a case of mental/emotional exhaustion, just plain dirty depressed ...well there's no benefit there in delving into it, except to feel even worse about how you're feeling and therefore worse about yourself. I then find it best to think and analyse as little as possible, for the sake of my sanity and teeny tiny shred of well-being I can huddle into.

[Sadley]

I've been depressed all of my life, and I've always just turned on a video game and played it until a physical need comes to my attention. I wouldn't recommend it as it is possible to die from playing video games. It also doesn't fix the problem, it's just a distraction. But I need all the distraction I can get because my depression is severe. I usually pick video games that can't be beaten, for example I have played Phantasy Star Online and Ragnarok Online for a good 10 years straight. I still come back to them every once in a while.

I also will eat until I am so full that all I can really do at that point is lay down and go to sleep.

I oversleep a lot.