Coping Strategies?

[Whiteflower5]

I struggle with depression, and yesterday was a tough day. I felt close to tears most of the day and had a hard time getting motivated to do anything. I'm working with my therapist to recognize depression rather than bury it or hide it from others. I'm getting better at it, but I don't know what to do about it when I do recognize it. I haven't yet learned how to cope, so I'm reaching out to all of you. What do you do that helps? What coping strategies do you have?

[masa2333]

I’ve had problems with depression when I lost a parent. It lasted two years. I wasn’t dealing healthy way with it and insted I had abusive behaviour, I took Xanax pills to calm me down so I don’t feel anything. I went to therapist also. But it wasn’t untill I decided that my father wouldn’t want to see me like that and that he wouldn’t be proud of who I am that I realised it was time for change. What I’m trying to say is that you will help yourself mostly, and therapist is there to be supportive and give you some guidance. It was really tough at first but I found that writing a diary helps a lot. I don’t know the cause of your depression but you have to find something strong enough to motivate you to start acting better!

[Starrlight in reply to masa2333]

A diary is an awesome idea 💡

[Whiteflower5 in reply to masa2333]

Thank you for the insight!

[Starrlight]

When I start to notice I’m feeling down I try to see where the root is like was I thinking something negative or sad etc and what can I do now for instance would it help to curl up cozy and watch a show and deal with life later or would it feel great to get out into nature and get some rays? Do I need to work on like work school reach out and pay attention to a friend or your kids etc

[Whiteflower5 in reply to Starrlight]

Good advice Starrlight, thank you

[Starrlight in reply to Whiteflower5]

Did you have a better day today? I hope so but if not there is tomorrow ❤️

[Whiteflower5 in reply to Starrlight]

A little...this has been a hard week

[APOR2017]

Whiteflower5, I am so sorry that you have been dealing with this but it sounds like you are getting some great help. Identifying it is the first step. I am so happy for you that you are getting help and direction. I am praying for you!!

[Needtovent]

When I was st my lowest, I needed help from anti depressants because I couldn’t eat or sleep and that affects health. As to day to day, I had to force myself to keep busy - the gym and my church were life savers though they may not have realized it. Over time meds activity and therapy combined to help me ease out of that black hole. Prayers and hugs to you whiteflower

[Whiteflower5 in reply to Needtovent]

Thank you!

[Whiteflower5 in reply to Whiteflower5]

Needtovent how did you get yourself going to the gym and getting movement in? Did you have to wait for the anti depressants to get you to the stage where you could get motivated? This is one big piece that I can't get started. I know movement and exercise can be extremely helpful with depression, but I just can't get myself there!

[kenster1]

I like to go long walks hill walking.something ive always done.i walk at a fast pace to me it heightened my thoughts made them more frequent.my therapist suggested walking slower and take in the freshness of the air the smell of flowers rustling of the trees it made me feel calmer and the thoughts slowed down.set yourself little achievable goals give yourself credit for them and all the time your goals will grow just like your confidence.

[Whiteflower5 in reply to kenster1]

Thank you! I usually try to walk fast too - my way of feeling like it's 'better exercise'. Slowing down not only makes it sound like your doing some walking meditation - 2 benefits in one - but also may be more manageable for me when I am struggling to get moving. Great advice!