[TheLastChapter]

Lately, my depression has gotten worse. It is getting to the point to where I dont leave my house or anything. My counselor has given me some things to help cheer me up, but the problem is, they all involve summer type activities. So want know, what is helping everyone else cope with depression?

[rhode island red]

I take my medication (even if I don't think it's working), I continue to see my therapist (even when she really pisses me off), I continue going to work (it's the only way I know I'm healthy), I force myself to do things. Motivation comes later. Ideas come later. I call people that will care, listen and not get scared away. I try to be gentle with myself(which is really hard when I'm in that dark corner).

Hope this helps. If not, talk to your therapist again. If you feel they aren't helping you as much as you need, find someone else.

[Agentfyre]

I have to agree with above. Sometimes I feel like we lean on motivation too much. Life isn't easy, and we really do have to force ourselves to move forward sometimes, even when we really don't want to. I know that sucks, but at the same time it's a real testament to those who push through especially when it's so brutally hard. There's simply nothing more heroic!

But also, you said all your suggestions were summer activities, which to me sounds like mostly outdoors things. Sometimes anything active can be helpful. Being helpful to others, doing daily chores, writing (especially journaling), listening to music, playing a game, etc. Really, see this as the experimentation phase. This is the time that you get to look for whatever ideas you can of things to do and try them, finding out what you like and don't like. Even try things that you thought you didn't like, often our interests change over time.

[Terabithia]

I have no self-motivation to leave my apartment. There has to be a place that I'm supposed to be at at a certain time..I go to a peer run center 3 days a week. It's a place for people with a mental illness to hang out for the day. It gives me structure to my life. I was just wondering if you had anything like this where you live?

[Idiot17]

No suggestions from me but sending hugs your way....

[Curupira]

I am just emerging out of a relapse. In my case the meds are what did it. I had to switch from Zoloft to Paxil and was slowly able to pull myself out of that hole. Still climbing (not sure if I will ever get all the way out).

Maybe talk to your doctor? See if there is anything that can be changed/added to your care plan?

[VRichards9612]

I've tried dating sites, if that's not relating to your issue then I'll tell you I've also tried picking up something constructive (piano lessons)

[Abe Froman]

I stay busy. Returned to school late in life. Worked full time while doing that. Picking up extra activities. Visiting friends and family. For me, the less down time the better right now.