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How can I break depression's vicious circle?

23 Answers
Last Updated: 05/07/2019 at 5:14am
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Top Rated Answers
WarmSummer86
April 10th, 2015 6:01pm
One step at a time, one day at a time, one minute at a time. I went through a period of depression and still occasionally feel it come back. To get out of it, it took effort and time. I started with 5 minutes a day dedicated completely to myself where I made myself do something that at one time or another brought me joy or peace. It was hard to make myself complete that task for 5 minutes some day, but I made myself do it. Over time, I increased the amount of time I made myself do the tasks. For me, it was reading, colouring, crafting, walking, singing, baking. Eventually, I started to look forward to my time I dedicated just to myself, and over time, I filled up more of my day with the things I loved and eventually, my moments of depression became less and less because I was focused on the things that brought me joy. Now, when I feel depression starting to seep back into my life, I start to focus on those happy moments again and do my best to keep the depression at bay.
Anonymous
February 15th, 2015 10:51am
Reach out. That's what you should do. Don't think that you're alone. Talk to your mom or your dad or anyone who's close to you. Depression captures your mind and you need support to pull through. If you're in crisis please visit suicide.org
bubblyLily18
January 30th, 2015 3:11pm
Try doing something you really like to distract yourself. Also try to work out, eventhough i know you don't feel like it, and eat healthy. Don't be hard on yourself! It's ok to have a bad day. Hug
Zebrasarcastic
June 7th, 2016 1:44pm
Depression is something that needs to be fought it's a slow process it takes time and energy.ask your self how much do you want it and take professional help
Anonymous
May 7th, 2019 5:14am
To gain any change in life we have to put on the brakes and take a different path. For change to take place we have to change what we are doing. Better yet to change what we're thinking about and for what purpose. First thing to do is to stop. Evaluate if the kinds of thoughts we have are hurting us. And if they are to avoid thinking those thoughts. But it takes a conscious and purposeful intent to stop and examine our thoughts. To not think the damaging thoughts we can think about anything else to block the damaging thoughts. This will increase self worth. Lift some of the depression. Even allow a path to having fewer panic attacks for people with anxiety.
Anonymous
January 12th, 2016 1:29pm
By not letting it take over. There are ways to fight back! Find out what causes your depression, and make sure that it won't be triggered! Instead of sleeping out wake up early and exercise!
Anonymous
May 28th, 2015 3:11am
Well, you're on 7 Cups, so that's a step in the right direction! It's very important to seek help when battling depression-- few people can break the cycle on their own. Whether its friends, family, or benevolent strangers like us, reaching out to others for support can help to ease the pain you feel. When that's not enough, consider professional help as well. Healthcare professionals are uniquely qualified for assisting you in this battle.
MysticLoveWarrior
October 30th, 2017 6:30pm
There is no "right" answer that works for everyone. The most important things are to seek the kind of help you feel you need, and to do what you feel you need to. Do not be discouraged by the people who tell you, "Oh, you just need to exercise; moving around has improved my life so much," or "You just need to stop being so negative all the time!" Do not be fooled into thinking these people understand what you're going through. Don't get angry with them; they just can't imagine what it feels like and they want to be helpful. If at any time you feel happy or enjoy a sensation, try to be in the moment and savor it.
resourcefulHeart96
May 8th, 2017 11:14pm
I have struggled with depression since the 5th grade and continue to fight against it. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to have people there for you and to know when to seek professional help.
Scenery420
January 2nd, 2017 2:45pm
I have fought depression, OCD and anxiety forever. At my lowest point, not too long ago, something suddenly switched inside my head and I didn't want to die. I knew I served a purpose but my mind kept trying to drown me. I put my mind to use on something else so I could start working on my purpose.
Anonymous
October 3rd, 2016 11:18am
Don't recall your past or anything that makes you feel bad. Always think that you're mentally and physically healthy. Remember, when your thoughts are honest, they will happen in real.
WeAreExistence
July 26th, 2016 4:04am
There are numerous methods, but the one I've found most effective is to seek the root of the cause. To do this, we have to go through the pain of our memories and dig deep within our emotions. From there, we gain the strength to finally make a choice, break the cycle, or allow it to continue. But it's all within our control :)
Anonymous
June 27th, 2016 4:31am
Each day, do something small that you like. Read a book, wake up early and have a cup of tea. It's not much, but if you do something to counteract your depression, It can't come back to you as harshly.
jakfullofwandering
June 10th, 2015 4:19pm
You can break depression's vicious circle by reaching out. Reach out for help, whether that be a counselor, a friend, a psychiatrist, or a gym instructor. Find ways that make you safely feel better.
Anonymous
June 17th, 2015 4:15pm
You could try thinking of positive memories or go hang out with your friends and make positive memories to remember.
Shikamaru42
December 22nd, 2015 11:38pm
Try to think clearly and see through the fog. Identify possible triggers - professional therapists can help you with that - and try to either eliminate them or change how you perceive them (the ABC model shows us that this is also possible). To muster the energy to do this, get support in any way you can. Use 7 Cups, use therapy (https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/), use medication if needed. This is a war and you have the power to win it.
Anonymous
December 7th, 2015 9:37pm
Try to do it slowly. Get active by doing one thing at the time. For instance, you can try to do the dishes at day one, and then at day 2, try to do the dishes and clean the bathroom. Taking small steps is very important in this process. If you feel like you can't do it on your own, find someone to help you, like a very important family member or friend, or maybe a therapist.
Anonymous
December 7th, 2015 2:48am
The only way I break my depression is by waking up and saying all that you are thankful for and put aside the negative thoughts
CompassionNeverHurtsButPTSDDoes
November 10th, 2015 12:01am
Exercise can help a lot with breaking the cycle. Also, doing creative things, like painting, sewing, baking, cooking, writing, drawing, building things, and woodworking can help.
itsnotover
November 3rd, 2015 4:40pm
try keep yourself busy try doing lots of activities that you enjoy and try not be alone it helps to be with someone
Rosealyn
November 3rd, 2015 2:14am
As a person coping with depression I have found that making strong bonds with my family and talking about my problems with a doctor have greatly improved my way of life. If you are struggling with depression, I highly suggest keeping a journal about what your bad days are like, and seeing your family doctor.
Pineapplescanhelp
September 28th, 2015 8:30am
Find things that make you happy or find people that will be there for you, even when you are feeling down about life.
HopeBehindtheVeil23
August 18th, 2015 7:47am
Depression is a complex and individualistic cycle. Everyone has different reasons, somewhat similar symptoms and varying coping mechanisms. The key is to understand your demons better first. Be more aware of your emotions, see how they change over time and become an observer. Try and understand what are the fundamental chinks in your armor - what generate those feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness about life. What works best for you to cope - distraction or absorption? Distraction means to turn away from it and absorption means to go deep, understand and emerge out. Change and awareness are really the way out.