[sunbeem]

I am really trying hard to get out of this depression it has been months. I just started taking depression pills last week but the Psy. told me it would take 4-6weeks so I am waiting. I do go to a great therapist and she is a help. Need some suggestions what to do for now. Have been doing a lot of just sitting which makes it worse. Seems impossible to get up and exercise.

[Vandelay Industries]

I'm in the same boat. I hope you start feeling better soon!

[catnip123]

Maybe try volunteering somewhere for an hour or so a week. I volunteer at a local cat shelter and it helps me have something to look forward to and gives an hour to think of something besides depression.

[bugbear83]

My go-to for depressive episodes is Netflix and steam games. There are some really cheap ones on there that eat up so much time and take my mind off my bad feelings for a while (before they go right back again, of course ha.)

Also when I have the energy I sometimes try to do little paper stars. Look up a video for them on youtube they're super easy to make and doing stuff with my hands gives me a really cool feeling of accomplishment, without taking the spoons that gardening or other arts and crafts take up. Good luck sweetie, I hope those meds kick in soon.

[emijec]

I watched the NASA channel and stayed in bed. or news or something that I didn't care about.

[dexter]

If you can't bring yourself for physical exercise try something simple like go out for a walk. If I can't walk I try to sit on my steps outside and read just to get some sun and fresh air and keep my mind occupied.

It can take some time for the antidepressant like your doc said, so be patient and try to use that hope to bring you through each day. If it turns out to be ineffective there are other medications to try. It takes patience but it works. In the meantime hang on and post here... We've had similar experiences and can offer good suggestions and support. Catnips volunteering idea is a really great idea.

[dexter]

Also try a local support group. Try DBSA the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance or other organizations in your area. I've been going to a DBSA meeting a few nights a week just to get me out of the house and interacting with other people. The group can be really helpful.

[elevatedsoul]

distraction is key... what things do you normally enjoy? do the simple ones...
watch cartoons, i love watching cartoons because its simple and you dont have to think too hard to understand whats happening in them...
draw...
write in a journal... writing your emotions down does help... it is a form of acknowledgement and when you acknowledge them you can release them in a sense...
they are still there, but you dont have to ruminate over them because you wrote them down in a journal...

reading is one of my favorite things... but not everyone likes to read...
dont have to read books... read articles, comics, memes...

the medication will help but we have to do alot of the heavy lifting to make depression better...
i hear people call them happy pills but to me they dont really make you happy... they just make it easier for you to try to be happy... if that makes any sense... like a crutch for a broken ankle...

stay strong...

[sunbeem]

Thank you everyone I really appreciate being here.

[basicgoodness]

I hope the medication works for you and that you regain your emotional balance soon.

Yes, it will take time for the medication to have a noticable effect. A few ideas I liked from above such as volunteering, attending a support group, and getting out for a walk or other activity. The are really hard to get yourself motivated to do but once you get yourself going you feel not so bad. Grab yourself a workbook - those based on the CBT model I think are best.