Ways to battle depression?

[Mystics Apprentice 2,397]

I truly hope I don't look as though I'm whining in this thread, but I was just wondering if anyone on here has been depressed and, if so, how they mentally worked against it. I've been diagnosed with OCD and Clinical Depression, which really gets to me from time to time, particularly in winter. I know there's no miracle answer or cure, and that's definitely not what I'm looking for. I was just hoping to work around medication (apart from natural remedies I'm taking) when those times of depression get real rough by trying out different tactics to uplift my mood, and thought I'd ask to see what you guys did.

Thanks so much for your suggestions! (and even reading, for that matter!)

[Enmaa 124]

play kingdom hearts?

[Weiss 8,279]

Do things that you like to do and think of things that make you happy.

[Hei 3,233]

Think more about the positives in your life, and don't dwell on the negatives. I've never had depression, but I've always found that music uplifts me when I'm down. Music and William Shatner impressions lol

[Kirie 3,489]

sing the happiest song u know

[dusk 910]

Just do your thing in life and have fun with it. Meet your friends and talk with them.

Don't go emo

[4Everbee 1,365]

Watch Anime and funny TV shoes? I really don't know what to tell you. I'm really sorry but when I'm depress I watch Anime, listen to music that helps me and watch funny TV shows such as. How I met your mother, ICarly old TV shoes from good Disney.

[Geralt 4,874]

Do the things you enjoy most, and make the most out of it.

[Xalaru 445]

Not even joking, playing Kingdom Hearts actually helped me. Listening to Owl City did too, but those two are the only things that are able to genuinely make me feel a bit better. I'm still not over it, but they help, a lot. Just find the things that make you happy or mean a lot to you and see if you become a bit happier, even if only temporarily.

[Noobles 301]

I had entered in to depression when I was in my first year of Middle School and a little bit last year.

 

It's really hard to explain how depression is. You don't really realize you have it till it's over or when you look back. I didn't use any medication. For me, I began to relax a little and try not to focus too hard on things. When I was depressed, I just didn't talk to a lot of people and kind of kept to myself a lot. Some key compounds to lifting my spirits were my friends. I had some really great spirited friends that would always cheer me up and try to find things I liked to do. Another thing I did was talk tell an adult/Councillor or a really close friend on how I felt. I told an adult just a little bit but then I locked myself in my room and began to talk to myself. It made me feel a little better. I would also sometimes watch depressing scenes or anime, such as Kingdom Hearts and made myself cry. It made me feel better afterwards. I don't know why but it just helped! I would recommend a depressing scene and then a happy note or ending. I was beginning to pick up RPing in many areas so I periodically lied down and began to think about my character. I would read the recent post to the RP and try to dream/envision what would happen next. Afterwards, I pretty much did what made me happy or what I liked.

 

I really doubt I would fall into depression any time soon. I have video games at my hands such as Kingdom Hearts, Starcraft 2, Minecraft and Steam games. I also have an RP group on Facebook and I interacted with a lot of people. I have a lot of things to keep me occupied and happy.

 

Don't worry, I have OCD too when it comes to buildings like Minecraft... Sorry if I got a little personal... It depresses me sometimes when I see someone in depression. And remember, you have the KH13 Family to help you and comfort you. Do feel free to chat with me. Open hands

[hatok 6,413]

Vitamin D

Nutrients

Goes a lot further than you'd think

[kalnet 1,198]

Talk to friends, Talk to your parents. Tell us your problems if you need to. Something that can get off your steam.

 

Play some games, listen to some songs. Going for walk should do fine as well.

[Koko 3,944]

Vitamin D

Nutrients

Goes a lot further than you'd think

 

This

a good diet and some exercise can really do wonders

Just do things you still find enjoyable or even just take moments for yourself and just take a nap or pamper yourself instead of stressing herself out

Also I would say (If you don't already), try getting antidepressants if your depression gets real bad.

[Mystics Apprentice 2,397]

Just do your thing in life and have fun with it. Meet your friends and talk with them.Don't go emo

 

Don't worry, definitely not into the emo thing; too old for that, hehe.

Not even joking, playing Kingdom Hearts actually helped me. Listening to Owl City did too, but those two are the only things that are able to genuinely make me feel a bit better. I'm still not over it, but they help, a lot. Just find the things that make you happy or mean a lot to you and see if you become a bit happier, even if only temporarily.

Y'know, this is one thing I've never fully managed to embrace.  I have a difficult time (due to the OCD) of doing things I find pleasure in, because I always feel the need to be doing something important.  So then I feel guilty whenever I enjoy myself, which makes it nearly impossibly to enjoy the activity I set out to do.  I will try this for sure, and see if I can't find a little peace with Sora.  Thanks for the advice!  I'm glad to hear you've found something to help you.

 

I had entered in to depression when I was in my first year of Middle School and a little bit last year.It's really hard to explain how depression is. You don't really realize you have it till it's over or when you look back. I didn't use any medication. For me, I began to relax a little and try not to focus too hard on things. When I was depressed, I just didn't talk to a lot of people and kind of kept to myself a lot. Some key compounds to lifting my spirits were my friends. I had some really great spirited friends that would always cheer me up and try to find things I liked to do. Another thing I did was talk tell an adult/Councillor or a really close friend on how I felt. I told an adult just a little bit but then I locked myself in my room and began to talk to myself. It made me feel a little better. I would also sometimes watch depressing scenes or anime, such as Kingdom Hearts and made myself cry. It made me feel better afterwards. I don't know why but it just helped! I would recommend a depressing scene and then a happy note or ending. I was beginning to pick up RPing in many areas so I periodically lied down and began to think about my character. I would read the recent post to the RP and try to dream/envision what would happen next. Afterwards, I pretty much did what made me happy or what I liked.I really doubt I would fall into depression any time soon. I have video games at my hands such as Kingdom Hearts, Starcraft 2, Minecraft and Steam games. I also have an RP group on Facebook and I interacted with a lot of people. I have a lot of things to keep me occupied and happy.Don't worry, I have OCD too when it comes to buildings like Minecraft... Sorry if I got a little personal... It depresses me sometimes when I see someone in depression. And remember, you have the KH13 Family to help you and comfort you. Do feel free to chat with me. Open hands

Depression is truly hard to explain, and those without it have a hard time picturing where I'm coming from.  Thank you for all your kindness and words of support.  It's also nice to hear someone's personal experience with depression, so not to worry on getting too detailed!  I'm very happy to hear that you've found ways to conquer your own depression, and I hope that I also find ways to conquer mine similarly.  Your words were quite inspiring, and, as many others mentioned above as well, it appears that indulging in something you enjoy is essential.  I will try this.  Out of curiosity, when you were depressed did you have a hard time figuring out what interests you?  I mean, did some of your old interests sort of fade out?

 

Talk to friends, Talk to your parents. Tell us your problems if you need to. Something that can get off your steam.Play some games, listen to some songs. Going for walk should do fine as well.

Thanks;  I actually am doing some of this.  Talking with others does help, along with exercising, though I feel I irritate those who know me with my complaints! haha!  Also, many thanks for the warm welcome into the community.  I've really enjoyed my time here; everyone's so friendly!

 

Thanks for all of your suggestions, everyone!  I really appreciate all the support and suggestions.  As I mentioned above, it looks like finding something I enjoy and indulging into it is key, so now I just need to find something to get myself into!  I have a very hard time enjoying myself when I think I could be doing something important, which makes this particularly difficult, but I'll try to ward off this feeling.  I also agree that being arounds friends does help, but generally I feel shy, awkward and afraid I'll screw up by opening my mouth (these days--I didn't used to be this way).  But again, I'll try.

[Noobles 301]

Out of curiosity, when you were depressed did you have a hard time figuring out what interests you?  I mean, did some of your old interests sort of fade out?

 

 

For me, I just started watching YouTube or reading forums. I found Starcraft 2 through WongFuProductions, Minecraft through a promotion video and I fell in love with Kingdom Hearts when I heard one of the music on YouTube. Now that I think about it, I just watched a lot of YouTube videos and listen to a lot of calm music as well.

 

Most of the interests I gain from the past have remained in tack. I have dropped some but most of them have stayed with me.

 

 

[Rizzyy 736]

well, idk if this could help but back when i was majorly deppressed because of bullying (another story for another time) i would listen to music that related to how i felt, like lets say one of my parents put me down i would be angry so i would listen to either “Home“ or “I hate everything about you“ (both by Three Days Grace)

[Kirie 3,489]

Actually I can get depressed as well and i tried fighting it. maybe you need some attention, someone to talk to. Depression is dangerous and you will end up thinking about suicide, just talk to your friend, parents or teacher. Don't try anything stupid like cutting yourself believe me it doesn't solve anything.

[Flying Cattle 48]

I don't think that I've been depressed, but I have definitely had my moments when I have felt down.  There was a time almost a year ago when I was having a rough time.  Around that time, I got heavily into music.  Whenever I listen to it I feel relaxed, and my problems seem to go away for a little while.  Now I listen to it all the time.  I'm pretty much addicted.

I also recommend a Youtube channel called, "GameGrumps."  It's a "let's play-esque" show, where they go through and play (mostly) retro games. They do use a lot of language, but they are hilarious!  Watching GameGrumps when I get home from school is definitely something I look forward to each day.  It always makes my day and makes me laugh.

Here's a link to their first video:

 

But as said above, do things that you enjoy.  You'll get through this!

Edited November 29, 2012 by Flying Cattle

[Mystics Apprentice 2,397]

well, idk if this could help but back when i was majorly deppressed because of bullying (another story for another time) i would listen to music that related to how i felt, like lets say one of my parents put me down i would be angry so i would listen to either “Home“ or “I hate everything about you“ (both by Three Days Grace)

 

Part of my problem comes from pressure of other people, so I can relate to depression being related to bullying!  That's an interesting thought to listen to music that describes how you feel.  Thanks for mentioning it!

Actually I can get depressed as well and i tried fighting it. maybe you need some attention, someone to talk to. Depression is dangerous and you will end up thinking about suicide, just talk to your friend, parents or teacher. Don't try anything stupid like cutting yourself believe me it doesn't solve anything.

 I tend to shut myself up when I'm depressed, but I do know it only makes it worse.  I've never gone into cutting, thankfully, but have been down the route of other bad predicaments you mentioned.  I'm afraid I don't make friends very easily, partly because I'm rather shy (or at least in person I am), so I don't have many people to open up with.  Thanks so much for your advice; it's always nice to hear that I'm not alone in the depression vs. happiness battle!

[Phill Devil 48]

I've been depressed almost my entire life .

There was always something that made me sad... And in order to battlethis sadness I would either get even more sad... Or angry...

 

So, I recently decidedto come with terms with my own self. Why battle against it? I have learned that you do not fight battle that you cannot win. So if you can't beat them, you join them. Now I can say, that like Adventure Time, I am both sad and happy at the same time =3.

Mainly because when I am sad - Not just a little sad, I'm talking about REAL HARD Depression here, at the brink of firetrucking suicide! - I am, more than in any other moment, able to create true beauty.

 

Poetry and music blossoms like a flower at the midst of sadness giving to the artist the most pleasant feeling of sadness and happiness at the same time, acknowledging the beauty that has come from inside themselves. That's the kind of thing that can save the artist from actually killing themselves.

 

Idk if that would work for ya. That's just me... I don't see no point in "fighting" something you cannot win...

[Chronic Tumor 149]

sing the happiest song u know

 

In all seriousness, I have two suggestions.

 

I just discovered that vitamin D from sunlight is absorbed through the eyes (but I read it on the internet) so spend some time outside, even if it is cold. I'm going snowboarding a lot this winter and I hope that will lift my spirits, but it may because of my second suggestion.

Exercise. Exercise until you are tired, wiped out, beat up, winded, you get the idea. This will release endorphins in your brain which will make you happier, and you will be healthier which will make you feel better.

 

And fix your posture.

[Roxie 71]

Ive been through depression since my mom has abused me but i dont live with her anymore. Im still going through depression nothing seems to cheer me up now. I also think im having stress.

[Mystics Apprentice 2,397]

Ive been through depression since my mom has abused me but i dont live with her anymore. Im still going through depression nothing seems to cheer me up now. I also think im having stress.

I'm very sorry to hear that.  I do hope things improve for you soon.  If you'd ever like someone to talk to, even if it's just to vent, please feel free to PM me. =)

 

I've been depressed almost my entire life .

There was always something that made me sad... And in order to battlethis sadness I would either get even more sad... Or angry...

 

So, I recently decidedto come with terms with my own self. Why battle against it? I have learned that you do not fight battle that you cannot win. So if you can't beat them, you join them. Now I can say, that like Adventure Time, I am both sad and happy at the same time =3.

Mainly because when I am sad - Not just a little sad, I'm talking about REAL HARD Depression here, at the brink of firetrucking suicide! - I am, more than in any other moment, able to create true beauty.

 

Poetry and music blossoms like a flower at the midst of sadness giving to the artist the most pleasant feeling of sadness and happiness at the same time, acknowledging the beauty that has come from inside themselves. That's the kind of thing that can save the artist from actually killing themselves.

 

Idk if that would work for ya. That's just me... I don't see no point in "fighting" something you cannot win...

That's a very interesting outlook on depression; thank you very much for mentioning it.  I never thought surrendering to depression would have a positive outcome, but, again, I never looked at it that way before.  I'm very much like you in that I get severely depressed when I have my depressive episodes.  I'm "okay" about 60-70% of the time, whereas that other 30% is severe/suicidal depression that I cannot rationalize myself out of.  I also loved your suggestions on creating beauty during those times.  This is something I will certainly try.  Thank you for your kind words and encouragement; it's nice to hear from someone who's had such a similar issue.

[Kaiso 2,764]

To some this may not work, but when I was battling depression this is one of the methods I kind of found to help me a whole lot:

 

So what I did was I got a chest, not too big but not too small, and each day I would fill it with "happy" things that either I would think of to tell myself, or things that others have said, and maybe even quotes I liked. I would write them down and put them in the chest, and whenever I was down I would always look into that chest and read some of the little phrases I had on these tiny slips of paper.

 

I don't really know why, perhaps it was because I don't like really going to other people when I need help, but this was one of the few things I did and it helped me out a lot. The little quotes kept me going from day to day. Sure I did a few other things, but none of them were really impacting like this little chest of motivational words was. It sounds completely silly writing about it... but I can't really explain well how much this helped me.

[Sakuraba Neku 660]

Watch Dragon Ball

Play TWEWY andor Kingdom Hearts

Listen Rock

 

Combine these three and you will never feel like that again. Good luck!