What personal coping skills do you use to battle depressive episodes?

1. 58

   dkanofskyposted 12 years ago

   What personal coping skills do you use to battle depressive episodes?
   
   

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2. 66

   RockerGingerposted 12 years ago

   For depressive episodes, I take medication. But before I was prescribed meds, I did the following:
   Write a journal - to get all the thoughts out on paper, of why I'm sad and what/who's bringing me down.
   Make a snack - sometimes a little comfort food is all you need to lift the moods a bit. I suggest dark chocolate: not only is it good for you, but chocolate raises the seratonin levels inthe brain, which make you happier.
   Listen to happier music - I suggest Mr. Blue Sky
   Watch a movie that can make you smile no matter what - For me, it's always always ALWAYS Sound of Music. Julie Andrew's voice takes me places
   
   I hope this was helpful to you, and I hope that, if you do suffer with depression, that it improves in time. God bless.

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3. 59

   Misty_lakeposted 12 years ago

   I talk a lot. I have two people that regurally listen to me complain about my life at large and three threapists. Along with that I have two cats who provide comfort and stimulation. One of them is pretty much a carpet cat so he's easy to catch and hug when needed.
   I also distract myself as much as possible. I'm someone who thrives off of responsibility so I tend to sign up for things that have to be done by certain dates so I have to work on them. I'm also concidering getting a service dog to help me with some of the episodes.

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4. 50

   eawhiteposted 12 years ago

   The best thing to do is to get your endorphins going. Exercise, laughing, hanging out with friends, etc. are all good ideas. Look at it this way:
   If you don't want to go out, you do it anyway.
   If you are afraid to try something new, find a way to talk yourself into it. (Enlisting friends to do x thing with you may help.)
   Be around happy people and try to take in some of their positive energy. This is why having hobbies, etc. is a good thing.
   
   A special note: If you are depressed enough to wonder if you should go to a doctor, then go to one. You don't have to be on medication for the rest of your life--a little help for now might do just fine. But DO NOT self-medicate. That is dangerous. (Self-medicating includes changing your own prescription doses and using alcohol, drugs, etc. to take away your depression. These are all highly dangerous practices.)

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5. 0

   jasper420posted 12 years ago

   I myself like to write in my jurnal listen to music and reflect on what Im thankfull for I try to tell myself this is just a phase and it will get better I do not ignore my feelings or try to cover them up because this creates dependence instead I examan what im feeling and use it to learn about myself and my illness

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