what do you do when you're depressed?

Question

i've been feeling depressed for about the past couple days or so. any suggestions for cheerer uppers? and my friends aren't here. what do you people usually do that makes you feel better?

Answer 1

Go for a walk

Take a hot bath

Burn some aromatherapy candles

Relax with a good book

Stroke a pet (apparently very cathartic) and you can also speak to them and know that they will listen and not judge you

Play a game - my personally faves are violent beat em ups as it relieves stress and tension

Watch a soppy, girly video that makes you laugh or cry - stick with romance, no weepies here.

Cry - release of emotion might make you feel better

Eat a bar of chocolate - sugar gives a brief pick me up

Smile - I know it's hard but it'll release happy hormones and make you feel better

Dance

Sing

Twirl around like a moron until you're breathless

Do anything that takes your mind off what you're depressed about and try not to dwell on it - if all else fails give someone a really long answer and make them smile :)

Answer 2

Depression is not always a bad thing. It can be the body's and mind's way of stopping for a rest when you are overloaded with stress, grief or even excessive happiness. If it has only been a few days, and is not chronic, just sit back, relax and let it pass. It might be a good time to read a good book, listen to nice music or paint a picture. Tap into your creativity.

Whatever you do, don't let the depression generate more stress and avoid self-medicating or eating your way through depression Those things can lead to a downward spiral and the depression can become chronic. If you think you are headed in that direction, see a good doctor. They have made amazing steps in helping people overcome depression.

I hope things will improve for you.

Answer 3

i might know how you feel though in a different way..
i am terribly bored (yep, to the point of depression maybe)

i eeny-minny-miney-moe the following "home therapies" which have really been of great help to me:

1.) massage, body scrubs, and facials help very much.
2.) very cold orange juice (or any fresh fruit drink) increases my energy level. (others suggest crunchy food-- only that i'm not too fond of them) but i don't go on food trips.
3.) i watch movies (loud good quality home theater).
4.) i go out and work (hahaha) ! i mean serious work with delivery and collection goals and all, meet my favourite clients, take orders, try to find new outlets, and the like.
5.) i learned vipassana meditation last year, and practice it occasionally. it's actually relieving. takes 2 hours.
6.) it takes extra effort to haul my a ss to the gym, but once i'm there, i can go 3 hours and not mind the time.
7.) almost forgot-- yep. i read a lot. (abt 3 books every 2 months)

yep, all these without friends. of course, i have the comfort and assurance that i have great friends. i can go 3 weeks at times without seeing my friends or relatives.
best wishes. (i don't know your lifestyle or occupation, so this is best i can do.)

Answer 4

If you are depressed, and it is it true depression, you really need to go to your doctor Sweetie. Depression is a chemical imbalance in your brain. With medications and therapy you will overcome it.

If you're feeling really blue and just need a pick me up, how bout doing all the things you love to do? When I'm having a day when I just need to feel better, I like to do my nails, take long hot baths, watch a great movie, go for walks, exercise, listen to great music, or just call an old friend to catch up with. Talking with someone, a family member you really love or a great friend, and sharing what you're going through always makes you feel better!!!!

Good luck and hope you're back to your happy self soon!!!

Answer 5

Listen to some very happy music and try to concentrate on the fact that life is actually pretty amazing.

It is hard to remember how good things actually are sometimes. I often have bouts of depression, and I have found the best way to solve them is to stay busy, and focus on the things you enjoy, even if those things are as simple as brushing your teeth, or making a great sandwich (two things I do when depressed)

It also helps to take pride in something you do. If you have a hobby, then practice it. Having a sense of accomplishment helps to cheer me up.



I reccomend listening to the Polyphonic Spree.

Answer 6

I find the best thing for feeling depressed is surrounding myself with my friends. When they're not around, I try to distract myself. I can do this by exercising, reading a book, watching a movie or even just completing menial tasks around the house. There's always self medication, but I can't recommend that.

Answer 7

Stop brooding on your depression and get out. (Easier said than done, I know) Go to the mall and do some window shopping, or just mall walking. The exercise will do you good, and the mall is climate controlled. Any kind of exercise you do will make you feel better. If you exercise regularly, you will consistantly feel better.

Answer 8

I sometimes will call a friend that I haven't spoke to in awhile to just touch base and reconnect. That is always something that can cheer me up.

I also enjoy renting a comedy and curling up with my kitties on the couch to watch it.

A long walk in a favorite place can also help.

Answer 9

do what u love! i love art and photography so i try to look at those things even online or just taking pics and drawing. its hard though to do those things if u r truely depressed. u tend to lose interest in things. just play around online, make a wish list on sites like amazon. com or ebay.com or something. enlighten urself. find books to read. good books i loved when i was depressed were "prozac nation" and other elizabeth wurtzel books. check them out!

Answer 10

Get a wind chime as bell sounds have a positive effect.

Also exercise, which has been proven to be as effective as anti-depression medicine, but without the side effects!