Managing depression

[jredman4815]

I'm struggling to slow things down for myself when I have waves of heavy depression. I know there are techniques where you take a shower, play an instrument, or do some kind of activity but I find myself struggling to get motivated to do anything. It's almost as if I want to be depressed? Given enough time, it eventually passes because I tend to forget things that are stressful. Sometimes I can't even remember why I was depressed, which is also a problem that I'm forgetting what is triggering my depression. I'm not sure what works for other people, but I'm open to suggestions.

[zperry4]

Hey what's goin on. Yeah, so I think that it's vital to have a schedule, because then you don't have to re-decide every day what you want to do, and you also can't make excuses for it. So I make a schedule for breathing exercises, journaling, gratitude exercises, affirmations, getting outside, talking to a friend, exercising, cooking, each of these in a day. All of these help me to relax, express negative emotions, take my mind off of things, laugh about problems and not let the depression set in as much. Most importantly though, is to try new things, I think it's super easy with depression to just never give things a real chance to work and to think that nothing ever changes. Best of luck, stay safe.

[Sprinkle1]

Sounds to me like you have situational depression, it is a mean depression, ever thought about trying an antidepressant. I am not a pill pusher, but I need them to keep me sane, that and my wonderful therapist. Try not to dwell on negative thoughts, stop them once they start, I have a little man in my brain, a school crossing guard, he pops out with his big red STOP sign. Yes keeping busy with things you like to do, and play nice music, dance around your living room, I do.

We are going thru Hard times now, enough to make anyone depressed. I keep myself busy both hands and brain, it helps a lot. I send you strength, peace, love and big hugs.....Sprinkle 1.....

[Paula-38 in reply to Sprinkle1]

I totally agree with you Sprinkle1

[Paskalina]

Hi!I do understand what you are going through right now,don't dwell on the negative thoughts as others have said..Try to exercise and also go outside to sunbath more especially in the morning before 10h00 and in the Afternoon after 16h00,this is what i normally used to do and it really helped me..you will just be fine as time goes.

[PapaDocs]

Why don’t you keep a notebook or a device handy and then write down what stressed you out. When you don’t know what triggered your depression the last time, it will blindside you and put you in a tailspin once again. Read it before you do certain things. For example, large crowds or very loud people affect you. When that is on your list and you read your list before going out, you will be mindful of where you go.

[cactlc]

I feel the same way! I'm not typically a lazy person, but can't find any energy to do even the smallest thing.

When I'm in a depressive state, I make a goal to do one (1) thing, however small. For example, clean my work space. Not the whole room, just organize my desk. It might be a tiny task, but it gives you a sense of accomplishment. Sometimes, for me, it could be getting out of bed and moving to the couch. It's a struggle; that's for sure, but small victories can help you get on the path to sunnier days.

You got this!

[Hidden in reply to cactlc]

Just trying to help here, so please don'ttake this the wrong way.🙂

You're not lazy; you're depressed. There's a difference!

Would you call someone sick in bed lazy?

[Hidden]

Hi👋

I hear you loud and clear! When in bouts of heavy depression, I have an impossible time doing anything. It's as if every single bone in my body turns to mush. Just remember to take it easy on yourself and practice loving yourself for who you are. Love yourself for having a good day, but love yourself for having a bad day too. I for one am very hard on myself. If I have a depressed day and I can't get myself to do anything as a result, I criticize myself for it. With the help of my therapist, I am learning self-compassion. I am learning how to accept that I will have bad days. I am learning to not fight it. The self-critical and guilt-triping thoughts we tell ourselves when we have a bad day can ironically push us deeper into depression.

Hope this helps somewhat!