DEPRESSION COPING SKILLS

[dgarber92]

Hi!

I started struggling with depression in January 2018. It was pretty mild looking back, although it didn't feel mild at all then and it came out of nowhere. That episode lasted until around April so I thought it was SAD. Until January 2019, when I had my first ever suicidal thought after my first ever psychosis state. I didn't sleep for 12 days and it's basically been a dollar coaster since. I've tried 5 different medications and 3 therapists. I've lost jobs and a lot of my supports.

I've had a lot of chaos occur in my life, especially in the last 2 years -- my psychiatrist/therapists believed it could be "circumstantial" MDD.. but I have recently been feeling like that slight bit of hope is gone. I believe I have MDD and I've been in and out of a severe diagnosis since January 2019.

Can you guys provide me with your favorite coping skills ?? Are there virtual support groups/live chats?

I feel like I am just swimming in the middle of the ocean without a paddle. I've tried to educate myself, but I'm not coming up with much.

[Blueruth]

Something physical. It can be whatever you want as long as you are moving. I like yoga, barre and hiking. I have done little of any of it the last couple weeks and I am sinking. Today I started macrame which involves standing up so that is a start.

Sanvello is an app that teaches CBT techniques. They also have meditation and other tools. There is a free and paid level.

[dgarber92 in reply to Blueruth]

Thank you! I actually just downloaded that app too

[Thefightisworthit]

High intensity interval training, any time I've done one of these workouts my mood always lifts.

[dgarber92 in reply to Thefightisworthit]

LOVE hiit!

[AnxM]

Exercise is great. Releases endorphins into your system. Humans are complex beings, but also slave to our neurochemistry.

Having said that, the motivation to exercise can be difficult to find. Maybe get a running buddy.

Mindfulness breathing is beneficial. Take long, slow breaths, focusing your entire attention on those breaths. Search mindfulness breathing in Youtube, find a video you like.

I hope you find some peace. Love and light to you.

[SirGrits]

Hey dgarber92, I really don't have anything new to add for you to try. When I went through my toughest times, I experienced the best relief from walks and journaling (journaling through CBT ideas in particular).

I've recently got back into working out at a gym. I think the high intensity stuff sounds really helpful, just make sure you stay within the limits of your health.

[Kainan]

Love the exercise techniques. I used to hit the gym several times every week, but since COVID I haven’t been to the gym since March. Yoga, mindfulness, listening to soothing melodies and meditation are great. I use the insight timer app every day. Also learning about things you’re curious about

[Elle_Luv]

I would try DBT! The structured patterned of thinking and having things to fall back on was so helpful. It seriously improved my life so much! It made me treatment for depression a lot easier!