Do you have any tricks for fending off depression when it begins to rear its ugly head?

Question

From what I have read we can shoo away depression by using our thoughts. Do you have any that you would like to share? Thanks!

Answer 1

A week or two ago, Father Groeschel on EWTN answered a question from a caller who indicated that he was depressed. Father G. is a psychologist as well as a priest. I don't remember everything he said--however he did emphasize the importance of getting enough sleep. He said that people with depression should get 8 hours of sleep every night. He also said that people who suffer from depression should get out of bed as soon as they wake up in the morning--not linger in bed. He said lying in bed only makes the symptoms worse. He also said that getting physical exercise every day is very important for people with depression. These hints are things you can do to get yourself started.

Using thoughts to deal with depression is a good concept, however, I think doing small things with great love or genuine concern for others really can make a difference in driving away bad thoughts.

For example, yes, count your blessings! However, go one step farther and make a list of them and put them on your refirgerator or mirror.

Another idea: send cards or notes to family members or friends whom you have lost contact with. Especially do this for people who are ill or who do not have e-mail. Your card, note, or letter does not have to be lengthy or fancy--but do write down a happy memory or thought for the person you're sending this too. ( You could also send them a newspaper clipping or cartoon that you think they would enjoy.) This will surprise the person you are sending this to and make them happy. However, you should not have any expectations that you will hear anything in return from the person you are writing to. Doing this lets people you haven't seen for awhile that you are thinking of them with kind thoughts. Small things like this can bring great joy! Have a goal to send between three to five of these a week. You will be surprised how good doing this small thing will make you feel!

Definitely find someone to talk to--and don't wait! What about friends, family members, people you can trust in your faith community? Your Community Mental Health Center is a place to call if you feel professional help is needed.

A friend told me once that "suicide is a permanent solution for a temporary problem." How true this is! Whatever you are dealing with, better things are ahead and God has a plan for you! You are on our prayer list!

Answer 2

2 things have worked for me

1) Make a gratitude list.
I'm know it sounds corny, but I'm serious. Write down (or say out loud) "I am grateful for......"
No matter how bad things are or seem to be, there is always something I can be grateful for, even if it is as basic as having food to eat, or a roof over my head. Once I start, the more I realize I have to be grateful for and suddenly I'm feeling better. It works, try it.

2) Finding someone to help. If I'm sitting and getting depressed then I have some time on my hands. I like the suggestion to do something positive for myself, but sometimes I don't have the motivation to help myself. Maybe my parents need help with something, or my elderly neighbor. Maybe one of my friends is going thru a hard time and needs someone to listen to them. There is always a homeless or animal shelter than can use help. By helping someone else I help myself because I realize I have something to offer.

Good luck and keep trying - find something that works for you.

Answer 3

Over the last five years I had begun to have increasingly withdraw into a downward spiral of depression..

But now with the method I can fully focus my energy and thoughts into a decisive line on how to make my life better constantly. And it works like magic! I'm beginning to attract people to me once again and things have just been looking up since then.

Helping you eliminate depression?

Answer 4

If I feel depressed I like to talk to my best friend. If she is not available put on some good music and just dance to the music and relax. Last but not the least read the Bible and Pray God can do anything no matter what your religion.

Answer 5

exercise is probably a good idea.. doesn't have to been a total workout.. even a nice walk in a park or along the shoreline would be nice.. get together with friends or family.. the worst thing to do is be alone.. also meds help alot.. been suffering from depression for over 10 yrs now.. good luck

Answer 6

1. call therapist and make appt.
2. rest.sleep.eat right.pray if that helps.
3. know this will pass
4. no decisions of consequence at this time
5. Listen to favorite music, mine is bach air in g string. hang in
6. no use sharing w friends or family, because guilt follows
7. talk w professional (women's resources) crisis line helps
8. Know there is no reason, so stop trying to think of one. Just b

Answer 7

Usually the cause of depression is a chemical imbalance.
doing exercises does increase the "happy" chemical
if you already smoke, that does too
antidepressants of course but should be carefully selected based on your chemical imbalance
Sunlight slightly increases them

personally, i have clinical depression, so i take paxil it works very effectively

Answer 8

I literally force myself to stop being pessimistic (one of my greatest faults!). I busy myself with something constructive or creative - for example writing to my swindling bank to claim back all the unfair charges they have imposed or making my friend a birthday or hello card. If I can stop the "what if's" I can prevent depression from taking over.

Answer 9

I use affirmations: God's love fills my life with every good thing. I am well, prosperous, wise and free.
I don't have to reject myself if I've made a mistake.
There is enough time to do everything I want to do
Peace be still, no need to rush.

Answer 10

Excersice. Call a positive person. Get with friends who are funny. Do something that makes you feel good about yourself.