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What works for you?

ErikB December 14th, 2016

Hey there, so I was wondering if we could start a thread on some of the things we all do that we find works BEST for dealing with our depression. Try to keep your recommendations postive! Hopefully this can help others with some ideas to try for themselves!

I'll get things going!

I know for me, I.have found that going to the gym to be highly effective at reducing my depression, sometimes I find it hard to motivate myself to get there, but after pushing myself to go, I'm always rewarded at the end and am full of smiles! Bonus here! If i push myself super hard, it's like a huge wave of happiness hits me at the end, and the feeling can last all day! Thank you endorphines!
Side Note: Even a 10-15 minute workout at home can have mood boosting effects, I highly recommned trying this one out, you don't have to be an athlete to get these mental gains!

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Bree96 December 14th, 2016

I also find that exercising helps with depression!

Reading is also something that I find helps with depression. It's nice to be able to escape to another world sometimes.

1 reply
usefulJewel19 December 18th, 2016

@Bree96

For me its my yoga routine helped me a lot. With getting into shape and then there is meditation that I do almost daily. Also listening to songs helps me too.

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lightTortoise1929 December 14th, 2016

Journalling has really helped me to process my thoughts. Also, telling myself five positive things about myself every day, even if they sound forced, helps me. Eventually you start believing the positives.

Taking some time for myself each day helps a lot. Arts and crafts, reading, or researching a topic I'm interested about all help me to take a step back from life to remember that I matter too.

4 replies
ErikB OP December 15th, 2016

@lightTortoise1929 I agree with the positve things part for sure, that is one of my regular suggestions i give out in one on one chats. Write 5 positive things about yourself on a peice of paper, and put it someone where you will read it several times a day

lumos4556 January 8th, 2017

@lightTortoise1929

I agree with the writing the other day I read a letter I wrote to myself and it made me think about how far I've come and stuff I need to work on also I'm just curious but what kind of arts and crafts do you do?

2 replies
lightTortoise1929 January 8th, 2017

@lumos4556

I mostly knit - it keeps my hands busy and it takes just enough concentration to let me think about life without getting too caught up in my thoughts. Also for similar reasons, I do a lot of origami. I like the repetitive actions of both.

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ANGEL23SAVESME December 14th, 2016

being safe

staywithyou December 14th, 2016

@ErikB

This is a great thread! :D

I think talking to others and chat on 7cups help. >.< Practive to accept myself is also a great way!!! And love every little things we do. :)

2 replies
ErikB OP December 15th, 2016

@staywithyou great to hear, i was hoping someone would say chatting on here helps, i enjoy making others feel better. I've struggled with depression for the majority of my life and would never wish these feelings on a single person, so being able to take some of the pain away by listening to someone, and possibly leaving them with a smile makes all of this worth it.

1 reply
staywithyou December 15th, 2016

@ErikB

I enjoy lstening to others too! And I do hope listening can make others feel better. :)

And I really want to say thank you for being a listener. :) All listeners' work are valuable!! I really think a great listening can help both listener and members feel less suffer. :D

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lumos4556 January 1st, 2017

Drawing what I think about and listening to sad songs because I get to communicate how I feel and I don't feel so lonely

I want to work on treating myself like I do my best friends because I have such a double standard for myself

OzMaG January 6th, 2017

@ErikB Exercising is an excellent way of releasing depression and any other negative emotions.

Avaray January 8th, 2017

Hi everyone...

2 replies
ErikB OP January 8th, 2017

@Avaray Hi! Do you have a tip to add to this thread?

1 reply
Avaray January 8th, 2017

@ErikB I was hoping to learn some....

But I like to listen to music and ask God to help me. I also started therapy....

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mimameid January 14th, 2017

Usually writing it out helps me. Not necessarily in a journal, just anywhere: In a forum post, on a random word document, a scrap piece of paper, etc.

Reading is a great distraction but it usually doesn't ease the depression itself for me.

Also, I try to pray sometimes :)