What to do when you are depressed?

Having suffered from being bipolar, chronic depression and anxiety for the large majority of my life, I have only recently learned constructive ways to deal with days when I am depressed. I am always on a constant regimen of medication, but just enough to keep me on an even keel and not sedated. I have gotten to the point of being suicidal in the past, but hopefully am past that now. Here are some things I do to help myself:

I pray-A LOT, it brings me a feeling of peace

I have more than one creative outlet, which has really helped. I have been painting for many years now, and it really helps as a way to express myself in ways I may not be able to verbally.

I have also kept a journal, just for me, where I can write whatever I want and no one can read it. It has helped tremendously.

I have a wonderful support network in place now. My husband is my best friend and I can tell him anything. Also, I have a female friend and a sister that are very supportive as well.

I quit drinking alcohol. That used to be the first place I turned until it finally dawned on me that it did way more harm than good.

I make a list of things I want to accomplish, even if it is just small things. Then, each day, even if I only accomplish one thing on that list, I feel better about myself.

Sometimes I just need to have a good cry. I get it out of my system and then I feel better.

A good night's sleep after a hot soak in the tub often makes things look a lot better the next morning. Plus, I think the little bit of pampering, like some bubble bath, etc. just makes me feel better about myself.

If my depression begins to last longer than normal for me, or is more pronounced, there have been times I have sought counseling or therapy, or even gone to a doctor about possibly having to make a change with my meds. Anti-depressants and mood stabilizers can become not as effective after time. Sometimes, if you are on meds, they need to be changed after taking them for a long time.

Hope this helps!

laugh! Even though life may suck at the moment. Take a walk. Breathe deep fresh air. Call your best friend. But most of all laugh because there is no such thing as a stressful situation, it's how YOU deal with things that make the difference. Some things are beyond your control (ie.. the economy) but some things you can control (ie...making the most of THIS day) Hope it helps! :)

depression affects 10% of people at some stage in their lives. clinical depression is descibed as reduced mood and enjoyment of previously enjoyable activities lasting for longer than 2 weeks. its very important that a depressed person obtains help as soon as possible as life can spiral out of control very quickly and often ending in suicide.

i have recently had a colleague commit suicide totally unexpectedly.

it is important to have supportive friends and family and seek medical advice if the person is not coping.

talking about things with a trusted friend or family doctor can often offer the depressed person some insight into their situation and assist in formulating a pathway out of the depression

u just try to go away from the situation which depresse u but if u can't just forget about it call one of ur bestest friend go for shopping or a resturent just talk to him/her enjoy the day take rest n next day will be definitly fine.

it depends that what situation make u depressed if u r depressed because of work u need to take some rest.

I rarely get depressed but if I do, I always try to think of something that I can do myself to improve my mood. My secret is not to rely on others since that could backfire if my expectations of support are not met and hurl me further down the 'feel bad spiral'. I might take myself to dinner. I might take a walk. A long hot shower. Watch the sunset. Taking steps to help myself makes me feel powerful instead of dependent on others to take care of my woes.