[Blue Fish]

I'm just wondering what other people do to help cope. I don't have many good coping skills, I'll sometimes journal, can come and read/post here, and if I'm not feeling too bad and have enough energy I'll go to the gym but what do other people do to cope? I'm looking for suggestions to things that I might be able to try.

[gayleggg]

Usually when I'm depressed all I can seem to do is sleep and watch TV, mostly sleep. When I'm feeling so-so I quilt, draw, spend time on the internet, journal, and read.

[striking]

I work on my depression and anxiety on my own and in conjunction with my t. That includes researching and writing to improve my condition. Right now I am working on a concept called Forward Development Therapy. And I will see my T Monday to discuss her willingness work work with me on this process/book.

I have to use the encouragement from my T and group to do the things that make me feel better. If its working out then admitting I feel better when I work out, cook, play guitar, write, read... Hopefully that will be enough to break the depression cycle.

[vital]

Originally Posted by Blue Fish

I'm just wondering what other people do to help cope. I don't have many good coping skills, I'll sometimes journal, can come and read/post here, and if I'm not feeling too bad and have enough energy I'll go to the gym but what do other people do to cope? I'm looking for suggestions to things that I might be able to try.

Hi Blue Fish,

Here's what I do that I've found helps

1. Yoga every day
2. Going for long walks, typically 1-2 hours per day
3. Diet and supplements
4. Trying to get better quality sleep (I'm still working on that)

The thing that made a really huge difference, though, is "SNAP CLUB"

http://forums.psychcentral.com/depre...n-escaped.html

This is nice because it really takes almost no energy or willpower and it works pretty quickly. It's even fun to do.

- vital

[Rohag]

Older thread: What do you do to help your depression?

[einsam]

Meditation and writing work for me. I know some people have complicated relationships with art and writing, though, and it can be hard to disconnect process from result.

[Blue Fish]

Thanks for all the tips.
Rohag- thank you for the link!
Vital- I've never heard of snap, but it sounds like something I should try on days when I don't want to/can't get out of bed

When I'm feeling really bad, I force myself to get out of bed and do things that, objectively, I know are good for me but I don't necessarily want to do. Those include the things I do to cope when I'm mildly depressed, which are:

exercise
going on several internet message boards (probably do that too much)
go to AA meetings, to maintain my sobriety and be around people
read
play with/walk my dogs
horseback riding lessons
go out with my husband

Good luck finding some things that help you.