what helps you with your depression?

[klm96]

Besides therapy/antidepressants, what sort of things help you guys with your depression? Or when you're having a bad day? Journaling, exercise, breathing exercises???

[Hidden]

Journaling I find it to be very helpful. I just do stream of consciousness. Whatever comes to mind I just write it down. If tears are flowing through my cheeks, or if I am shaking, or what I had for dinner... whatever comes to mind. My therapist also told me to write one good thing about my life each day. This is hard when you’re in darkness and suffering. But if you can write one thing: even if it is something like ‘I liked my coffee today’ slowly your neural pathways start taking different turns toward other avenues from the usual depressive responses. It actually works and you can increase this as days pass. You can even write ‘I am journaling this is good for me’. The other helpful choice is a simple breathing exercise. You can google them. The important thing is that you do it. It doesn’t have to be complicated. If you can exercise and get some fresh air, that is always a huge plus. Good luck with all this. One day at a time.

[klm96]

That’s really interesting about the neural pathways, thanks for sharing! And for the breathing exercises, do you have an app on your phone that you use or do you have a breathing technique you enjoy? Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it.

[MelissaC13]

Thank you for your question and hope we can be of help! I had a really bleak time for a little over a year. I had never felt the despair I was experiencing and thought some pretty sad, dark thoughts. What actually helped me through it was meditation. It takes about 8 hours of meditation to change your neuropath ways. So I did 19 minutes in the morning and evening. UCLA has a mindfulness program that has free podcasts and the same simple (but not easy when your anxious) meditations. Between that, a WONDERFUL therapist, faith and Donkey Kong - I made it through the worst of it. Actually I did pretty good these last few months. We are in the middle of the home buying process and I start a new county position in May, so my anxiety is slowly crawling back in with heart palps... So, back to meditation I go! I was happier, so much happier when I meditated... You would think I would have kept doing it... ugh. If you meditate, remember that you are going "against the grain" of your neuropathways. They didnt get like that over night and can make you think you are losing control. Stay steadfast!

[ShellW18]

I turn to Exercise, it's hard because when you suffer from depression you have a lack of energy and motivation. I force myself to do it, as I know once I've done i feel a lot better. I'm thinking of writing down a journal log of my feelings before and after I have done exercise. Then when I'm strggling to get going I can look at it and hopefully it will provide some motivation!

[Mmboyd]

I know it’s always pushed but I find a good workout helps followed by a hottub or shower. I feel a lot calmer and refreshed. Also taking a walk in nature like a park helps as well .