Do Something You'd Normally Be Doing

[MainerMikeBrown]

For those who feel the blues or full-blown depression right now, ask yourself this: If the sad feelings your currently experiencing suddenly disappeared, what activities would you be doing right now? Force yourself to do one of those things, whether it be getting together with friends, enjoying a hobby you like, or something else.Doing what you enjoy even if you don't feel like it can get you out of your depression. It's not always going to work. But in many cases it can

 

[Darrell]

This is actually pretty solid advice. I speak from experience. After I got out of the Air Force I was very depressed. I turned into an ugly person, I kept flaking on my friends, I was drinking a bunch, etc. One day my buddy wanted to go to get dinner and hang out, and I said yes, but then I flaked on him at the last minute because I was so fucking depressed. He and I aren't friends anymore because I was such a flake, and it made me wake up, and snap out of it, a little. However, self-realization wasn't enough, I had to force myself to start getting back out and doing things that I enjoy. Spending time with friends, fishing, camping, airsoft, etc. It wasn't that easy to do, and it cost me one of my best buddies, but I learned from it, and I'm glad I finally forced myself to snap out of it, and leave the house.

 

[Natasha]

I've never suffered from depression, but I have had times where a friend has asked me to do something and I almost flaked b/c I didn't feel like going. I would force myself to go anyway and I'd always have a GREAT time and I'd be so glad I went ahead and went.

 

[Dana]

Never had depression either. Though I remember the days when you could say you were depressed and it didn't mean you had a chronic disorder.

 

[MainerMikeBrown]

For me, when I feel low, going out for a walk usually helps. But not always.

The reason for that is because there's never anything that will always help me. And that's also true for most if not all of us.

Due to this fact, it's best to have at least one other alternative besides what usually works for you. If going out for a walk helps you fight off depression one day, then great. But if on another bad day walking isn't helping you, go with another option, such as driving your car, going to the mall, or reading an inspirational book.

 

[Staci]

easier said than done, thats for sure. i still try to carve out some time in my day to read and have recently started baking again.....2 things that i love

 

[Panacea]

Interestingly, and sadly, sometimes people with really severe depression have anhedonia, and don't really have interests any longer.

 

[MainerMikeBrown]

They say you can't snap yourself out of a depression, and I'm not saying they're wrong. But sometimes when I feel the blues, doing a fun activity such as walking or listening to upbeat dance music can suddenly get me to feel a lot better.

 

[Panacea]

I suppose that would be the difference between episodic or mild depression and clinical depression, which usually requires medical intervention.

 

[darkcgi]

Im always trying to steer my self into a positive direction
it causes me to avoid many issues that might bring me down
cant always avaid them though but I try to be around people that can pick back up quick and get motivated
it helps me

 

[Darrell]

I suppose that would be the difference between episodic or mild depression and clinical depression, which usually requires medical intervention.

:shesaid

You are going to be great as a counselor, Carly.

 

[Panacea]

:shesaid

You are going to be great as a counselor, Carly.

Aww :3 thanks lol

 

[MainerMikeBrown]

If someone has clinical depression, doing activities can help. But if that person needs meds, then I wouldn't recommend trying these steps and not see a psychiatrist at the same time. If your not on the right meds, doing the things you normally enjoy will only help temporarily.