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Weekly Prompt #41: How do you perceive your own resilience and ability to cope with challenges?
by ASilentObserver
Last post
 2 days ago
...See more Hello all, I hope you are all being easy on yourself this week. A few weeks ago we discussed: How does your depression affect your ability to care about and take care of others? [https://www.7cups.com/forum/depression/General_2427/WeeklyPrompt40Howdoesyourdepressionaffectyourabilitytocareaboutandtakecareofothers_336335/] Thank you to all who participated and shared their thoughts and questions for discussion. They were thought-provoking questions and thoughts. I hope you all did too. If you didn't share yours, please share them here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/depression/General_2427/WeeklyPrompt40Howdoesyourdepressionaffectyourabilitytocareaboutandtakecareofothers_336335/] and I look forward to reading and discussing them with you This week's prompt: How do you perceive your resilience and ability to cope with challenges? To perceive your resilience and ability to cope with challenges, you can reflect on your past experiences, identify your strengths, ways to embrace a positive mindset etc. Let's get started and share your thoughts with us. I look forward to hearing all your thoughts and ideas.  Join us in the 24/7 Depression Support Group Chat [https://www.7cups.com/connect/groupChatrooms.php]
Your Poem...
by EmmaE
Last post
 July 17th
...See more Hi everyone, I came across this poem prompt and thought I'd share it here if anyone would like to try! ------------------------- My Poem (Title) My name is (name). Today I feel like a/an (adjective) (noun) (verb)ing in the (noun). Sometimes I am a/an (noun) Sometimes I am a/an (noun) But always I am (adjective). I ask the world, "(question)?" And the answer is a/an (repeat your words from line 2). ------------------------- If you’d like to join the depression support team, please check out THIS POST [https://www.7cups.com/forum/7CupsLeadership_188/SubcommunityHelpWanted_2306/HelpWantedDepressionSupport2023_295219/] for more information. To join our tag list and receive notifications, click HERE [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DepressionSupportCommunity_52/DepressionSupportLeadershipTeam_404/NEWautomateddepressionsupporttaglist_274831/].
You can keep going 💙
by LoveMyMoonflowers
Last post
 May 11th
...See more Hey everyone (: I hope your all doing okie 💙 and if your not (': we *do* care about you and we would really love to be there for you whenever you need us. 💜 I really hope you know that you don’t have to do this alone, buddy.  i don’t know what your going through right now, exactly. i don’t know how you feel (': but i’d like to remind you that it *is* okay to *feel* 💙 and it’s okay to take your time when figuring things out. it may be hard to explain how your feeling as well and i get that. 💜 (it’s important to take some time for yourself also 🥰 please do try being kind to yourself 🥺)  and some days… it just feels like too much, doesn’t it? we feel like we can’t take it anymore, we can’t go on anymore. Things just get too overwhelming, life just gets too hard… and hope seems like a distant dream. i know i’ve felt this way many times (': i think many of you might be able to relate 💙 but honestly, i need to remind you that there *is* hope, and you really can keep going. your never ever alone 💜 and you’ve never been truly alone.  And even though you might have never seen it, you are strong. stronger than you think you are. You’ve come *this* far and I am so so proud of you. i know it hasn’t been easy. i’m so proud of you. 💙 i’m sending so so so much love your way 💜 you deserve it, you really do 🥺 we love you, we care about you *always* and yes, there *is* hope for you. 💙 i promise.  🌙 Ni 🌸 @HealingTalk 
Forgiveness Collage Exercise
by Aditi24
Last post
 August 2nd
...See more Objective: To help clients explore and process their feelings towards someone they need to forgive and facilitate emotional release through creative expression. Materials Needed: * Magazines, newspapers, or printed images * Scissors * Glue sticks * Large sheets of paper or poster boards * Markers, crayons, or colored pencils * Stickers or other decorative elements (optional) Steps: * Introduction: * Begin by discussing the concept of forgiveness with your client. Explain that forgiveness is a process of letting go of resentment, anger, and negative feelings towards someone who has wronged them. Guided Reflection: * Ask the client to take a few minutes to think about the person they need to forgive. Encourage them to reflect on the situation, their feelings, and how holding onto these feelings impacts their well-being. Image Selection: * Provide the client with magazines, newspapers, or printed images. Instruct them to cut out images, words, or phrases that represent their emotions related to the person or situation they must forgive. Collage Creation: * Ask the client to arrange and glue the cut-out images, words, and phrases on a large sheet of paper or poster board. Encourage them to be as expressive as they want, adding drawings, colors, and other decorative elements to enhance their collage. Processing the Collage: * Once the collage is complete, invite the client to share their creation with you. Ask them to describe the images and words they chose and what they represent. Discuss how creating the collage made them feel and if it helped them gain any new insights or perspectives. Affirmation and Closure: * As a final step, ask the client to write an affirmation or a positive statement about their journey towards forgiveness on the collage. This could be something like "I release the past and embrace forgiveness" or "I choose to forgive for my peace." Reflection: * End the session with a reflective discussion on the importance of forgiveness and how the client feels after the exercise. Please encourage them to display the collage somewhere they can see it as a reminder of their commitment to forgive.
Synchronicities
by resourcefulWillow1729
Last post
 June 20th
...See more Hey I think this might help someone suffering from synchronicities, specifically the part about "déjà vécu." https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/deja-vu
so proud of you 💕💕
by Optimisticempath
Last post
 June 19th
...See more not many know and im glad they dont.... how difficult and exhausting it is to wake up and get through the day when you're struggling .... so really if all you did today was just breathe and got through the day... im vvv proud of you 💕💕💕 ik it feels like a chore at some point..and it's not even fun or something to look forward to but despite that you are trying your best and it doesn't feel like you always are so hoping it helps a little to hear from someone else 💕💕💕
Now in full total reniseion
by Brklyn1123
Last post
 May 15th
...See more Hi newbie here this more of a test then post.after over20 years suffering painful severe immense depression I with habd picked meds a caring rmdoc to give me them i feel im not or close to full remission  The combo I'm on consists first of old potent antidepressant of the MAOI class called parnate,the second is the ADHD stimulant Adderall,the third and last id a small dode of pure caffiene  Upon awakening I take all three together immediately and instantly feel robust relief  Please respond if you have any thoughts questions or comments I welcome them greatly as this is my first post thank you for listening 
💫How to cheer up yourself and your loved ones💫
by Aquiwim
Last post
 March 10th
...See more Hi everyone! Today, let's spread some positive vibes and explore the art of cheering someone up. 😊 Sometimes, a little act of kindness can brighten someone's day and make a world of difference. Let's dive in and discover some simple ways to bring a smile to someone's face🤍 1️⃣ Listen and empathize: Sometimes, all someone needs is a listening ear. Be there for them, offer a shoulder to lean on, and genuinely understand their feelings. It's amazing how powerful empathy can be in uplifting someone's spirits. 💕 2️⃣ Share a funny moment: Laughter, they say, is the best medicine! Share a funny story or a hilarious meme with your friend. Humor has a magical way of breaking through darkness and bringing back the sunshine. 😄 3️⃣ Surprise them with a small act of kindness: It could be a handwritten note, a small gift, or even their favorite treat. The element of surprise and thoughtfulness can instantly lift someone's mood and make them feel special. 🎁 4️⃣ Encourage them towards self-care: Remind your loved one to take care of themselves. Encourage them to do things they enjoy, indulge in hobbies, or take a walk in nature. Sometimes, a little self-care can go a long way in rejuvenating the mind and soul. 🌿 5️⃣ Be present and supportive: Simply being there for someone can make a huge difference. Offer your support, lend a helping hand, and remind them that they are not alone. Sometimes, knowing that someone cares is all it takes to turn a gloomy day into a brighter one. 🤗 Remember, everyone faces tough times, and lending a helping hand can truly make a significant impact. Let's spread positivity and make the world a happier place, one smile at a time! 😊💫"
4 Ways To Cope With Depression
by sellistens
Last post
 February 4th
...See more      Depression is very hard to define because it's different for everybody but I do know that it's not just sadness, it's much deeper than that. It's a void, a feeling of emptiness. Coming from someone who has been through 4 non-functional depressions that lasted 4 months each, it's very hard to go through. Over the years, I have come to a lot of conclusions and found some tips that helped me get through those rough times and that is what I would like to share with you.  Here are tips that I've found helpful during a depression: 📍Journaling Realistic Positive Affirmations Depression causes a lot of us to lose our self confidence. Regular positive affirmations sometimes actually do the opposite of helping. If we don't believe what we are saying, then we might find ourselves feeling worse. This is why I underlined the word realistic! The affirmation must feel believable to you and have a positive spin to it. It's also important to explain why you believe it. I usually write down my positive affirmations and explain why in my journal. For example: 1. Instead of saying: I love myself (but you might not believe it right now) Say: I believe I am loved because my friend/family member believes in me. I am loved because my puppy loves me and gives me cuddles! I am loved because... 2. Instead of saying: I'm happy with where I am in life. (but you might not believe it right now) Say: I am working on improving my life by getting out of bed every day. I am working on improving my life because I am looking for a job. I am working on improving my life by prioritizing my mental health. I am working on improving myself because.... 3. Instead of saying: I love the way I look. (but you might not believe it right now) Say: I love my freckles because they look cute on me. I love my hair because it's flowy. I love ___ about my body because... Activity: Choose some positive affirmations below and explain why you believe it. You can find more online by looking up positive affirmations. You can modify them to your liking as well. You are free to share in the comments below. I would love to hear!  1. I am loved because... 2. I am just as capable as anyone else. I believe this because... 3. No matter what happens, life will go on and I will be okay. 4. I deserve happiness and I'm working towards it. This is how I'm doing that: 5. My feelings are valid. This is what I'm feeling... (approach non-judgmentally) 6. If I put in 20% effort when I only have 20% to give, that's 100%. I am proud of myself for giving it that much effort.  7. I am working towards learning more about myself and my struggles. Here's what I learned so far... 📍Medication     I know that it's a bit scary to try new medications and wonder about side effects but medication makes a huge difference in many people's lives. For me, getting rid of depression outweighs the side effects. The good news is that if you don't like the side effects a certain medication gives you, you can always talk to your doctor about changing to a different medication that might suit you better.      What I find with medication like anti depressants is that there isn't usually one miracle medication. They usually work in combinations, meaning 2 different medications work together to stop depression. You just have to find your own combination that works best for you. Activity: Talk to your doctor about different options you have in regards to medications. I know it's hard to reach out, but it's worth it! 📍Therapy/ Have someone to talk to This is very important because the feeling of being heard alleviates a lot of tension. There are a lot of listeners here on 7 Cups who are willing to talk if you cannot afford a therapist. Even confiding in a friend can help.  📍Patience This is a hard one. When I'm in a depression, it seems like there's no coming out of it. I promise you, there is a way out. It just requires patience and time for your work and the medication to kick in.  These are the tips that have helped me through my hard times. I hope they can work for you as well. PM me if you need or comment below what has helped.  Love you all, Sel  
Online Support
by LittleHopeInDark
Last post
 January 8th
...See more Hi all. I wish everyone the best.  I’ve been in a very low mood recently where I’ve been feeling sick to the stomach with stress, have been overeating and become sluggish and demotivated, and I’ve been oversleeping and have become anxious and felt lost and that everything has been too loud for me to handle (resulting in hyperventilation). I’ve been wanting to get out of this cycle and to return to my usual self now since I had felt like everything was going well until my anxiety and desperation kicked in again. However, I don’t know where to find long term help online. I only know of Qwell and 7cups, and I was hoping to know more similar free live chats. I do want to change myself for the better. Thank you. 
✨Hello new members of 7 Cups! Here are the top 10 books you can read if you're depressed.✨
by DepressedAge
Last post
 November 5th, 2023
...See more Hello new members of 7 Cups! 🌟 I hope you are all finding comfort and support within this amazing community. Today, I want to share a list of the top 10 books that can truly make a difference if you're feeling down or battling depression. 📚💙 These stories have the power to uplift, inspire, and offer a fresh perspective on life. So, grab a cozy blanket, find a comfy spot, and dive into these incredible reads. 📖✨ 1️⃣ "Reasons to Stay Alive" by Matt Haig: This memoir beautifully captures the author's personal journey through depression, providing hope, insight, and a profound understanding of mental health. 2️⃣ "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath: Plath's semi-autobiographical novel tackles the themes of identity, society, and the struggle to find oneself amidst the darkness. A classic worth reading. 3️⃣ "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl: This powerful book shares Frankl's experiences as a Holocaust survivor and his remarkable insights on finding purpose, even in the most challenging circumstances. 4️⃣ "Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things" by Jenny Lawson: Through her unique humor and candid storytelling, Lawson shares her battle with mental illness, reminding us that laughter can be a powerful healer. 5️⃣ "The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression" by Andrew Solomon: Solomon explores the intricacies of depression, drawing on his own struggles and interviews with individuals from diverse backgrounds, creating a thorough and empathetic narrative. 6️⃣ "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin: Offering practical advice and personal anecdotes, Rubin takes readers on a year-long journey to discover what truly brings joy and fulfillment in life. 7️⃣ "Hyperbole and a Half" by Allie Brosh: This graphic novel blends humor and heartfelt storytelling, delving into Brosh's battle with depression while shining a light on the more relatable aspects of mental health. 8️⃣ "Lost Connections" by Johann Hari: Hari investigates the root causes of depression and offers alternative perspectives, exploring the impact of societal factors and the importance of meaningful connections. 9️⃣ "Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead" by Brené Brown: Brown's insightful book encourages vulnerability as a path to resilience, self-acceptance, and meaningful connections with others. 🔟 "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi: This memoir chronicles the transformative and poignant journey of a neurosurgeon faced with a terminal illness, exploring life, purpose, and the beauty of existence. Remember, these books are not a substitute for professional help, but they can offer solace, enlightenment, and a sense of camaraderie during challenging times. 🤝💚 Let's spread the love for literature and mental health! Feel free to share your favorite books for battling depression or tag someone who may find this list helpful. Let's support each other on this journey of healing. 📚💙 #MentalHealthMatters #BooksForHealing #CommunitySupport #FindHope #YouAreNotAlone 🌟 Together, we can overcome any obstacle and find strength in our collective resilience. 🌟 Take care, everyone! 🌸 #7CupsCommunity #MentalHealthAwareness #LoveForReading
✨Top 5 places in Kyoto that will help you cope with depression✨
by DepressedAge
Last post
 November 4th, 2023
...See more 🌸 Discovering tranquility in Kyoto: Top 5 Places to uplift your spirits 🌸 💼 #wellness #mentalhealth #Kyoto #Japan #positivity 📝 Hey 7 cup's community! Today I wanted to take a break from professional discussions and delve into something equally important – mental health. We all experience moments of sadness, and it's crucial to find ways to uplift ourselves. So, if you're ever feeling down in Kyoto, here are the top 5 places I highly recommend visiting in search of solace and serenity. Let's embrace the healing power of these locations together! 🌿 1️⃣ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 🎋: 🎯 Nestled on the outskirts of Kyoto, this enchanting bamboo forest is a breath of fresh air. Take a leisurely stroll through the towering bamboo shoots, engulfing yourself in their peaceful rustling. Let nature's therapeutic embrace work wonders, allowing you to reconnect with yourself and find inner peace. #Arashiyama #BambooGrove #NatureTherapy 2️⃣ Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) 🏯: Adorned in golden splendor, Kinkaku-ji is a majestic Zen temple that reflects its magnificence in a pond. Gazing upon its mesmerizing beauty can help awaken a sense of inspiration and awe. As you walk through its meticulously manicured gardens, feel the weight of your worries slowly lift, finding solace in the tranquility that surrounds you. #Kinkakuji #GoldenPavilion #Zen 3️⃣ Fushimi Inari-taisha 🦊: Prepare to be enchanted by the vibrant vermillion torii gates that line the pathways at Fushimi Inari-taisha. As you venture through these gates, let their vibrant hues ignite a spark of hope within you. The ascending trails lead you through dense forests, offering a serene escape from the outside world. Allow the empowering spirit of the fox deity, Inari, to guide you towards a brighter mindset. #FushimiInariTaisha #VermillionGates #Empowerment 4️⃣ Philosopher's Path 🚶‍♀️: As the cherry blossoms bloom, the Philosopher's Path becomes a picturesque avenue of serenity. Stroll along the canal, feeling the gentle breeze caress your worries away. Reflect on the wisdom of past philosophers who wandered these very streets, and let their profound insights inspire greater self-reflection. #PhilosophersPath #CherryBlossoms #Reflection 5️⃣ Nijo Castle 🏰: Step into the elegance of feudal Japan at Nijo Castle. The intricate architecture and serene gardens effortlessly transport you to a bygone era. Wander its exquisite halls and gardens, letting go of the weight on your shoulders. Allow the tranquility of this historical gem to transport you to simpler times and bring a sense of peace to your troubled mind. #NijoCastle #FeudalJapan #PeacefulEscape ❗ Remember, dear 7 cup's of tea community, it's important to prioritize our mental well-being. Exploring these serene locations can offer solace and inspire renewed positivity. Let's break the stigma around mental health and continue supporting one another in our personal journeys towards inner peace. If you've visited any of these places or have other recommendations, please share in the comments! 🌸 #selfcare #positivemindset #innerpeace #traveltherapy #mentalwellness
Should we be frightened to talk to a therapist? and when you have to do it ?
by DRCherif
Last post
 October 28th, 2023
...See more Therapists are there to help and support you, so there's no need to be afraid. Confidentiality is a fundamental part of the therapeutic relationship. What you share with your therapist is typically kept private unless there's a risk of harm to yourself or others. It's a safe space for you to express yourself without judgment. It's not uncommon for people to find it challenging to express their feelings. Therapists are trained to help you navigate through these difficulties. They can provide guidance, ask questions, and offer support to help you explore and articulate your emotions. The process takes time, and it's okay to start wherever you're comfortable. Therapy is a collaborative journey, and your therapist is there to assist you in finding the words and understanding your feelings
Apologies if this is the wrong place...
by classicksf
Last post
 October 25th, 2023
...See more So I have severe depression. There's, like, no question about it. I can barely do anything. Most professionals do not seem to take my father's insurance, and if they do, they generally turn even the mention of me away, apparently because I am transgender and autistic according to my father. Do any of you know how I would go about getting prescribed antidepressants? It's severe enough to warrant medication, in my opinion, and this is kind of my last resort.
Be productive - have a purpose, help others
by amicableWater4529
Last post
 October 24th, 2023
...See more A lot of people come to the depression support room saying they have no purpose or they're not worthy. Well if that's the case - why not be the opposite? Productive - life purpose to help oneself to the right place and help others. This ties into altruism - egoistic -> optimistic. Once you help yourself enough - taking care to put oneself together (as value is based on what's around a person in addition to oneself) to increase one's worth -> be able to be whole (from helping oneself enough) to be able to help others. Once someone maxes out of taking care of themself enough that they don't need help - then they can go beyond oneself to help out the world - where the real help is needed. For me - as long as I provide more than I take - then that's how I'm worth living. What's stopping everyone from achieving that (where they get annoyed, etc. from hearing it or 'can't' or don't want to (like it's too hard)?

We hope that you can find some respite here from what you're going through. We all help each other through the darkness. Welcome, friends, to the Depression Support Community at 7 Cups. We're so happy you're here <3

Click the "join" button above to stay up to date with the community's activities! We'd love to have you as a friend!

Adults & Teens: Join us in the Depression Support Room every Tuesday! The room is open for 24 hours. 

💗 New to the Depression Support Community? We want to get to know you! Introduce yourself here! And here's a welcome guide for you!

💗 Join us in our daily check-ins here and join the taglist here!

💗 Are you interested in joining the Depression Support team? Learn more and apply here!

Community Guidelines

Be gentle to yourself, you're doing the best you can. Remember that your feelings are your own, and no one can tell you that they are not valid.

Be gentle with others, because you don't know what they're going through.

Read the 7 Cups Guidelines
Community Leaders
Community Mentor Leader
@EmmaE
Forum Supporter
@Angelanj
@bestVase7265
Room Supporter
@chyni
@sleepysalem
Community Resources

(all colourful text is clickable)

- 9 Types of Depression and How To Recognize Them 

- You don't have to understand, you just have to be present by @MarianaFilipaSouza6

A beautiful testament to the nature of depression

- Rethink Mental Illness: Depression

Basic information and facts

- Resource Masterpost by @Sealiously

A plethora of amazing links

- Depression Self Help Guide

Discover some ways to help manage what you're going through

- Safety Plan

Here's a safety plan for those who are passively suicidal. Your life is important

- Resources to Help Manage Depression

A collection of helpful links for more information and support

- Depression Community Path

A path that helps guide you through dealing with depression on a day to day basis


(Think that more resources should be here? Send a message to @EmmaE)