Depression--what Do You Do to Help with Symptoms?

I try to keep busy. I have had depression, more like anxiety that makes me depressed. I was never one who couldnt get out of bed, that would make me feel worse. When I get a lot accomplished I feel better.

Get some sun. Take a walk every day, even if it's only 10-15 minutes. Listen to upbeat music. Call a friend you haven't talked to in awhile. If you read the Bible, keep a scripture journal with verses that are particularly uplifting for you. When you have a bad day, you can look up those verses and get a big spiritual uplift. Do something nice for someone else - always helps get my thoughts refocused. Keep the house picked up - the more clutter, the more anxious I feel (not in an OCD way. I just think a more peaceful environment helps me feel more peaceful). Sending happy thoughts your way :)

I also struggle with depression and try to keep things in my life that help, besides medication, which I also take. Here is my list:

exercise (but I know it's hard to get going, see if you can find an exercise buddy or some other accountability)

getting out of the house

getting outside, even if it's just sitting in the sun for 15 minutes outside (will be easier in the coming weeks as it cools down)

calling a friend - I try to do this at LEAST every week, particularly a friend who is able to notice if I am not sounding good. At least one relapse into depression was first caught by my friends and I was able to get help before it got too bad.

playgroup with friends - our church has a playgroup on Wed that I try to go to

eat good foods - 3 full meals a day and make sure they include enough protein and veggies.

stuff that makes me happy - like chocolate and hot tea, wearing makeup or my favorite earrings, etc. Stuff that I think I don't deserve but that I would do for someone else I love so I should do it for me too.

get enough sleep - I can't stress this one enough! The whole world is colored by the amount of sleep I get. 8-10 hours is good for me. More than that is just the depression wanting sleep, not what I really need.

Try to keep structure in my life - a clean house, a routine. Sometimes I need someone else to help me with this. But when the house is chaotic and disgusting, I feel chaotic and disgusting inside.

I hope those help. It was a good reminder for me to type them out. Hugs.

This might sound stupid, but eat lots of fruit (don't add sugar or caramel or anything to it). It has made a tremendous difference to me. And, avoid sugar and fast foods as much as you can. If I eat much of that stuff, it really affects me mentally. If I avoid it, I am a happy, easy going person and it takes a LOT to get me depressed! Oh...and get out in the sun. Not easy in this part of TX, is it. hehe. Take vitamin D3 too (gives you what you can't get from the sun when it's this hot).

Find a hobby...I know it's hard to carve out time for ourselves because of motherhood & everything else but I love to scrapbook. So when I'm feeling sad I do that. Or listen to music, read a book. Find something you like to do. Working out also gives me a boost but I dont really have time to get away like that. And if all else fails call up a friend & go for some lunch or just coffee. I hope this helps. Hugs :)

Agree with ideas to keep busy and get outside...though it's super important to have those in whom you can confide, it also has helped me in the past sometimes to "fake it til I make it".
Hang in there...you're not alone.

I admit it to the people around me. My husband, my best friends, my business partner.

It is so hard to do, but I can shut down so fast. I found if I can voice it to at least one person, I feel like I am addressing it.

Also have found if I am in a down mood and depressed, doing something good for someone else gives me great pleasure.

It can be a card to an old friend (I mean a person that is aged).
I may make a meal and take it to a neighbor as a surprise.

I might purchase a gift card for my niece or nephew and surprise them for no reason..

Or I may pull out an old movie and just veg for a few hours. If I have the energy I will go and see a movie I have wanted to see..
Getting out of the house and into the sunlight can really help.

I have suffered with depression and anxiety, and at one point mine was very severe. It is under control now. However, the things that help me are exercise and keeping busy with a hobby. I notice a big difference on the days that I don't exercise, so I try to do some type of exercise every day (even if it is just walking). It is so important. I know it is hard to get yourself into it, but it will eventually just become habit.
Also, find something that you enjoy doing in your free time. I have learned that I enjoy sewing. I also love to read. Pick something that you truly enjoy, not just something to keep you busy.
I hope you find some relief. I feel your pain!

Exercise is THE best way to combat depression. Even just a short walk helps!

I take Krill oil (specifically, Dr. Mercola) << I just think he's a name I can trust (no affiliation) .. Additionally, drink enough water. by that I mean.. do the urine test, IF too yellow, then you need more, if nearly clear, then you are ok.. I mention water because as I see it, it's the gasoline for the body. When dehydrated, I believe your body can't work or must work extra hard to do its every day functions, thinks includes thinking, emotional well-being and of course physical functions.. More recently, I have been practicing EFT (see EFTUNIVERSE.COM ) a free website, again no affiliation. Anyway, been practicing that for anxiety, which anxiety, in my opinion is the main contributor to most things, including depression.. check out the website, you might find it useful. lastly, although when depressed it's often the last thing you feel like doing.. EXERCISE... in which case, even a little walk can make your blues feel a little better. so give that a try..

I wish you the best

Excercise, as has been pointed out by many posters, and Omaga 3 helps a lot.................keeping busy is another strategy..be sure to tell your doc as well since medicine may need to be adjusted. Maybe worth a visit to a psychiatrist (MD not psycologist) vs general doc or internist as they have a better grasp on types of depression and what medicine works best.

Exercise, exercise, and more exercise. :) Not what you want to hear I'm sure, but it's the only thing that really worked for me when I went through a depression many years ago. I kept it up since it makes me feel so good.