I'm new here...

[spilling-ink]

I wanted to try an anonymous, online forum to normalize my feelings - I've struggled with anxiety ever since early high school...I wouldn't even order for myself at restaurants. I've come a long way since then but continue to struggle with generalized anxiety. Recently I've gotten into a phase of depression with a change in lifestyle. It took me many hours before I could make myself breakfast this morning and it kills me to get out of bed every morning, for example. What tips do you have for managing depression specifically? Would also love to hear your experiences.

[deborah27]

set yourself a few goals for each day. then, reward yourself in some way. it can be really simple things like phone a friend or walk to the shops or sort your wardrobe out... keep a diary, again it doesn't have to be epic. make it more about how you felt about doing certain goals, before you did something, as you were doing it and after you had done it. put one positive comment at the bottom of each page before you climb into bed for the night. get yourself a cork board and some drawing pins, make a mood board... just play around with thoughts and feelings, cut things out of magazines or draw pictures. distraction is a useful tool in the battle against anxiety and depression, it just gives your mind a chance to rest. also, it can really help to scroll through the posts on here and offer kind words and support to others. loads of ideas between us here, why not reach out and offer some things that have worked for you, it might really help someone else.

[spilling-ink in reply to deborah27]

Thank you for the response, appreciate your tips!