What do you do to help your depression?

Hey guys!

I was just thinking it would be kind of nice to share what we all do to help our depressive symtoms. Feel free to share.

Thanks'

Roman James

What I like to do is try to rebuild my interests. I start find new things I might like. I also love my music collection and and I belive it is my true love. When I am depressed, I like work out or to my music or fall asleep listening to my music. I also like to cuddle up and watch a movie with my dog, Wilma. When all else fails. I love to cover up in my bed with the drapes closed and just relax and meditate. I have found that meditation is really helpul. I usually will meditate at the start of the day. This way, my anxiety level is lowerd a large amount.

Thanks for sharing Roman. I'm taking "baby steps" again. One of the things I'll do is pick up my cat Frank, look into his eyes and give him a big hug. Then I watch him roll around the floor like a nut...it makes me smile.

- I go out with friends, or just go out and be around people.
- I play with my ratties (I own rats as pets!)
- I watch a funny movie
- I read a good book
- I listen to lots and lots of music
- I make food or eat food (I sometimes get depressed and tired if I forget to eat)
- I take a nap if I really need it (but not too long, since I sometimes sleep to avoid the world which is bad)
- I pray or sing or read spiritual stuff (like books and prayers)
- I call someone to talk
- I come on here! I love PC.
- I play on the computer and go to funny/happy sites
- I go outside (if it's nice out) ... sometimes just to sit, sometimes for a walk.
- I write sometimes... poetry, short funny stories
- I sometimes do what I don't want to do - like homework and dishes and laundry b/c it does need to be done!
- I go to the mall and buy lunch/coffee and just sit and people watch

Eat (that's not working out so well for me!)
Listen to non-triggering music (classic rock, classical)
Go for a walk if it's sunny
PCPCPCPCPCPCPCPCPC!!!!
Take a looooong shower
Drive
Cry (really, it helps)
Close my eyes and try for "nothingness"

- Write - I love to write. Engaging in my passion always makes me feel good. I write stories, mostly, but sometimes I'll write poetry, and other times I'll just journal. It feels good to write down all my thoughts and get my feelings out.
- Watch sitcoms - I have a bunch of favourites, but anything that will make me smile, just to remind me that I'm still capable of doing something other than cry.
- Have a good, long cry - It's a release!
- Read - I like reading for the escape.
- Go for a walk if it's nice outside
- Listen to music - I have special playlists on my mp3 player specifically for pulling me out of a low mood
- Treat myself to a coffee - I have a favourite cafe I like to go to and just sit and people watch/write

Write in my journal.
Scrapbook a photo or two.
Paint a few wine glasses or mugs.

I've also created a little book I call "My Tool Kit" that I carry with me and can look at when I'm really struggling and can't think straight. Each page has one thing on it that I have used in the past to distract me from the bad thoughts. It also has a page with my support phone #'s listed and several pages with encouraging messages.

I have 4 other little books I created and keep handy to help me get through specific difficulties or remind me that I will get through this - Facing Your Fears , Forgiveness , Words of Encouragement and Don't Should on Yourself .

I have another I forgot to add:

Finding new music. I love discovering new songs. The feeling of listening to a song that really touches you for the very first time can be very uplifting.

I started reading about a week ago to keep my mind of all the negative for an hour or so.

I also play allot of computer games.

I recently got some exercise DVDs but the dancing kind and it cheers me up allot sins it is allot of fun with all the dance moves in it.

I also watch some nice movies to distract me from my thoughts.

First I check the essentials. check if I'm "hungry" or need to get blood sugar up. Probably have some coffee.

Then try to find something I enjoy.
Baking.
Taking a walk, if I can get myself outside.
Play my musical instrument of choice if I'm feeling well enough not to get triggered by it.
Once in a while I'll set up a hangout session with a friend
Listen to music, if I'm not going to get triggered by it
Hug a KITTY! (again if not triggered by it)
I guess for me it's about finding something that won't trigger me at the time, or to get myself ok enough to NOT be triggered by those fun activities

If I'm more upset at the time, I'll do something repetitive to make my mind numb out to make sure I won't harm myself or others.

hey everyone! i'm new here, but Rohag was kind enough to send me the link to this thread!! you see, i have a little teeny website... well, it's a blog really. anyways, i have a page there called "mood lifters." it's kind of the culmination of 7 years-worth of, well, mood lifters!! its a bit long, so here's the link. comment and let me know what you think, or if there's anything you want to add!! i'll give you credit, of course

http://www.letyourfreakflagfly.org/?page_id=315

thank you everyone!! be well

Walk my dog everyday.
Watch a good movie.
Take photos of nature.
Watch the sunset .
Spend time here at PC.
Try to keep my mind busy , not just laying there and thinking negative thoughts.

Read, excercise, listen to the Pogues or some other raucousy music, sleep, write, take nice hot baths. Try to get in a lot of HUGGGGGSSSSSS

Sometimes these things don't 'help' but it's how I cope.
1) Listen to music
2) Journal
3) Hide in a closet or under a pile of blankets/pillows/soft things
4) Play the piano
5) PC
6) Read (provided I can focus enough...)
7) Drink juice or hot tea.

I listen to music and cry my eyes out.
I read books and put together some puzzles to calm me down....

Take my meds like I am supposed to. Take care of myself: get a good nights sleep; eat well & healthy; get some exercise; religiously keep stress in my life to a minimum; come to PC; live in the present, if I'm in the now, and doing what I need to be doing RIGHT NOW - especially if it's making myself feel better in a constructive way - then I'm not so overwhelmed by the past or the future.

I listen to music and watch tv shows. I have about five that I follow each week. But the only thing keeping me going is my cats! I sit outside with them for an hour everyday. The big cats come and sit on my lap and sleep. The three baby kittens run around chasing each other like bats out of h***. They are like my kids, and they mean so much to me! Best of all, they always make me smile and laugh!!!

I loved the Pogues Are they still together?

No, sadly, I don't think so. Another thing that doesn't help depression! They did continue for a bit after Shane left. did pretty well, too. Check and see if they have a fan site. HUGGSS