what to do when you are depressed

[techbiz]

what is the solution of mild deepressions

[Golfer15]

Keep busy. I enjoy photography. I was taking photos on Boxing Day and now I am downloading them on my computer. Very satisfying.

I also enjoy exercise. Not only walking when taking photos but going to the gym.

Listen to loud music too helps.

That dark cloud of depression is never far away but we can keep it at bay at times.

[Hidden]

Hi techbiz,

You have many options:

1. See your GP.

2. Refer yourself to counselling.

3. Get active, join a social group or do some voluntary work.

4. Talk to friends who will listen.

Do you know what may have caused your mild depression? There's usually a trigger.

[gardengnome]

guess it's got to be individual. If a particular situation has caused the depression then doing whatever you are capable of to make the situation better will help you feel less helpless. There is the corny old serenity prayer that applies here.:::

God grant me the serenity to accept the things that I can not change,

Courage to change the things that I can,

And the wisdom to know the difference

Living one day at a time,

Enjoying one moment at a time.

The rest of the serenity prayer is a little too religious for my tastes.

Wait and see is often a bad move to be honest, if depression and gloomy thinking in general becomes a habit it can be as difficult to kick as a drug addiction,

If it is just ''depression-light'' google image is brilliant for lots of inspirational quotes. But if when you come across these types of quotes they make you want to scream and throttle the writers .....then a bit more solid self-help is needed.

In this case it might be the time to challenge the way you think. This can be painful, but does give long term results.

getselfhelp.co.uk/cbt.htm

This link explains something about how to use cognitive behaviour therapy, which can be done in a self-help way, as well as via formal therapy. It is really worth while exploring.

Not sure if you are maybe trying to help a friend, here is one result from googling ''what to say to someone with depression''

helpguide.org/mental/living...

I guess it comes down to knowing yourself or the friend. What normally makes you feel good?

Is them something that you are dissatisfied by that you can change?

Building up your general health is always a good first step, getting enough sleep makes such a difference, fun exercise can give such a buzz, and if you are in pain from something, then depression is going to creep up, so sort out niggling health problems. Some people swear by using vitamins, or alternative medicine, ( Be aware of the warnings that come about St Johns Wort, at can be an unpredictable dose, and interact badly with other meds)

Getting out of you own head is important, which is where spending time with other people, helping a local cause, or just getting stuck in to hobbies/ evening classes can help here.

For myself, trying to kick out all those self-sabotaging habits is something I am working on, as it is annoyance at myself that is the most destructive thing for me, but like I said knowing what makes you tick has got to be at the base of whatever you do.

The folks here have lots of life experience and if there is a situation kicking round your mind they will try and support you.

[Suzie40]

I think to not compare yourself to other people and how you think people 'should' behave, but to keep tuned in to what's 'normal' for you. If you usually take a morning shower, but have noticed that you haven't been able to for some time, try and slowly get back on track. If you used to go out once a week, but realise you haven't for six months, try and aim for once a month. And don't be afraid to talk. Whether it be on here, to a trusted friend or to a doctor, talking really, really does help x

[Gambit62]

Keep in contact with your friends and family - and relationships that are supportive. If you are feeling isolated because family and friends aren't close then do things that keep you in contact with people - eg join a film or society where there are lectures so that you can be with people without necessarily having to talk and interact with them.

Be kind and understanding with yourself - it's okay if you can't manage things for a while - don't beat yourself up about it.

Try to continue to do things you enjoy - even though you don't feel like it - something happens in depression that means the relationship between motivation and action gets switched around so sometimes you have to do things before you feel motivated.

Exercise is good.

Meditation can be good - learning to be in the moment rather than caught up in the endless train of fears and regrets that is probably going through your mind - noticing the small bits of enjoyment you get from tasting a favourite food - the play of light on a sunlit day - favourite music.

Keep in contact with your GP/other health professionals.

Best of luck

[jules2105]

Hi

when I'm feeling depressed I find it difficult to get motivated to do anything, but find doing things I enjoy helps e.g shopping, making cards, glass painting, going to choir and swimming helps. Spending time with family and friends can also help, but I find that I start hiding myself away when I'm feeling depressed so it takes a lot of effort to see people.

Jules x