[coolryder]

I've recently accepted that I have some form of depression. I have yet to visit a doctor but in the meantime what can I do for myself to help manage the way I feel? I'm mostly exhausted, somewhat irritable and definitely sad.

[puzzclar]

1, Journal
2, 3 things that you are grateful for everyday
3. Random act of kindness
4. Exercise, get big
5. Post on PC, reach out.

It's simple but helpful.

Hello coolryder: You've probably been welcomed to PC previously, but I don't recall doing so. So... welcome to PsychCentral! PC is a great place to gain support, learn strategies for handling mental health concerns, & to make internet friends. There are many wonderfully supportive members here on PsychCentral.

With regard to this particular post, seeing a physician is a good way to start. Get yourself checked out to make sure there isn't something going on physically that is causing you to experience the problems you're having. Beyond that, you may want to consider seeing a psychologist or therapist to talk about what's going on with you. If medication is something that seems to be appropriate, I would suggest seeing a psychiatrist rather than obtaining a prescription from a general practice physician.

As far as what to do now, exercise is a great depression buster, if you can manage it, given your exhaustion. Even just going for walks can do wonders.

I, of course, don't know what your personal grooming routine is. I take a shower & shave, etc. first thing every morning. Without it, I'd be a basket case all day!

Using your hands & fingers to do things that require fine manipulation can be helpful. Using your hands & fingers requires allot of brain capacity. And so all of the brain capacity that is being taken up, by doing something that requires the use of the hands & fingers, prevents those parts of the brain from being drawn into the depressive state.

Meditation is something that some people find to be helpful. If you have not tried this, you might try learning it. Or, if doing sitting meditation, doesn't strike you as being something that would be of interest, look into yoga or Tai Chi. There are many ways to accomplish the same goal.

You might also look for a real-life support group to join. Having the opportunity to talk about your struggles with others can be very helpful. I never thought I would be interested in doing something like this. But, when I have had the chance to do so, in the past, I have found it to be most agreeable.

All new members' first 5 posts are reviewed before they become available for viewing by the community. So there may be a delay between the time that you submit your first 5 posts & the point at which they become available for viewing. However, once these initial posts have been reviewed & approved, your posts will become available for viewing as soon as you click the submit button.

There are quite a few forums in which you will be able to post. If you have not already done so, be sure to look through the listing in the Forum Index:

http://forums.psychcentral.com/

Each forum is listed in the Index along with a brief description of it's purpose. You will also see listed a number of social groups. A few of these are open to anyone to join. Most, however, require that you apply & be accepted into the group.

Also, once your first 5 posts have been reviewed & approved, you will be able to participate in our chat rooms where you'll have the opportunity to correspond with other PC members in real time. These chat rooms are listed on the community calendar showing the dates & times they meet:

Forums at Psych Central - Calendar

Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact any member of the Community Liaison Team. Best wishes...

[coolryder]

Thank you both for your advice. I'm very glad to have found this forum and I appreciate the extra info from "The Skeezyks"

[vital]

Originally Posted by coolryder

I've recently accepted that I have some form of depression. I have yet to visit a doctor but in the meantime what can I do for myself to help manage the way I feel? I'm mostly exhausted, somewhat irritable and definitely sad.

Woo-Hoo!

There's lots of great things to do to get better and many of them are great for your health anyway. Here's what I think is the overall best plan:

http://forums.psychcentral.com/4162657-post74.html

See the top of this thread and see if it applies to you. It was a huge help to me and it works for others as well

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

- vital