I am totally utterly depressed lately. I'm wanting to let go of a friendship, I just broke up with someone, and on top of that, I never feel like doing anything. It's hard to want to. So I don't. But. I am remembering something. I read somewhere that you don't have to want to do something in order to do it. I will try to keep that in mind.

Anyway, I'm just wondering if anyone has any good coping ideas or ways of dealing with their depression? Would love to hear anything that comes to mind. How do you make yourself feel better?

Thank you.

[Skeezyks]

Hello starrysky: I'm not sure why, but I keep writing this over-&-over, here on PC, lately. Many years ago, my father used to say: "You're not required to like it. You're just required to do it." I have taken this as my mantra. You asked about healthy ways to cope with depression. I don't know if this could be considered healthy. But I simply do not allow myself to countenance the possibility that, not doing something that needs to be done, could be an option. It seems as though once I make myself get going on whatever it is I have to do, it's okay. Sometimes I even enjoy it!

[MtnTime2896]

I tend to write. I start out by writing a journal and then I write a short story (they usually mirror how I'm feeling). I also draw and make music.
If none of these work or can't bring myself to do them, I go for a real distraction. I play video games, drive around a bit, go on a walk, do some push-ups or watch a comedy on Netflix. If I can't feel better, I refuse to let myself dwell on the fact that I can't feel better at the moment. It's when I can't bare to do any of the above that I tend to really need the help.

Skeezyks, this is the best advice. I hope you don't mind me adopting that phrase as my own mantra too.

Thanks So Leigheas. Good stuff.

[Sula B]

So with The Skeezyks on this. Its about pushing through and keeping on and not giving in to what you really really want. I found that being a mum simply forced me to do what was required including putting a smile on my face and sometimes you surprise yourself with actually loving what you experience. Once the kids get older and don't need you anymore , I have found my doggies to help me in the same way - they need and so it does not matter how awful I feel and they reward me with unconditional love the uncanny ability to make me smile and laugh. Children then dogs - that's the best advice I can give you.

Thanks Sula B.

So I really love Skeezyks advice as well. I know I already said it, but I'm saying it again. It actually helped me to hold that in my mind, and get myself to a new support group, which turned out pretty good.

Other things that make me feel better: talking to my mom, moving my body (going for long walks, dancing, even shoveling snow), meditation (sometimes it's a short session, like 4 min, other times I can do 10 min, it helps), knitting while listening to NPR podcasts or music. I just put in an application to volunteer with cats, and I inquired with an organization about helping refugees practice English.