What methods do you use to help pull yourself out of a severe depressive state?

[PH92]

I am down to try anything at this point...

[Hidden]

Do you have depression or are you talking about a mood. Because it is unlikely that you can just pull yourself out of depression. Are you on medication and do you see a psychiatrist? Hoping you feel better and seek help if needed.

[PH92 in reply to Hidden]

I have diagnosed depression. Looking for things that people do on their own (in combination with their treatment) to help get back to a better place...

[Hidden in reply to PH92]

Ok I see. Mindfulness activities are one way. Being around people you care about is another. I hope you can get some relief soon

[gogogirl in reply to Hidden]

What if most of the people are far away?

[gogogirl in reply to gogogirl]

I should add- this is a description of me.

[Hidden]

Watch videos by Douglas Bloch depression survivor he is very good at giving tips and strategies and he says “don’t give up 5 minutes before the miracle”. In my severe depression I got on Lexapro which helped a lot, I made sure to get outside and go to the pool with a friend, being in the sun a few hours everyday was critical. I cried and journaled a lot. I read a lot about depression, grief, a lot of existential books on meaning. I prayed constantly, my faith saved me. Love saved me.

[Marshall64]

For me to get out of my head, there are a few different things that helpi albeit they are short term.

I learn new songs on guitar or bass, i clean the house and get purge stuff I don't need, and I exercise with music. Any kind of exercise helps. Also just getting out of the house no matter how bad i don't want to helps me.

You can google to see if there are any support groups for depression in your area. There are some around me and they are helpful. They are free (no professionals) and you can share or just listen.

Good luck to you.

[RainneLim]

Hey,

I actually had a depression episode last week and talk to my physiatrist on Friday. So what I am doing is, when I start to feel that really down mood sneaking it, I get out of the house. Listen to music while you walk around. It doesn't matter where you are going for now, just don't stay home where you'll get sucked into the void. Another thing I am doing is "talking" to the depression.

I tell it to shut up and that it can't tell me what to do (this was weird at first) but it working for me after 2 days, I feel better. I almost slipped today into depression, but I told my depression to go away, I am working, I am busy and don't got time for it's "drama".

It's okay to feel depress though. But remember, it isn't who you are. It's just a symptom. And I hope you the best! If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask.

[AZ1970]

I make a to do list for my bad days. Then I celebrate the hell out of each one in my mind. My list may look like this: get out of bed, take a shower, brush my teeth, take my meds, rest. That's it. I have found though that as I do that, I get motivated to do a bit more.

I don't know if you are on meds, but many times that is what gets me kick started. Otherwise, I can only do so much to pull myself up. Keep searching for answers and ideas.

[Hidden]

One word... citalopram. I was never able to pull myself out in the past until the seasons changed, but it got so bad it became a year round issue. Vitamin D also helps.