Digging My Way Out of Depression

[superchick22684]

I'm in the process of trying to dig my way out of a pretty deep hole of depression right now. Its causing me to isolate, not go out to places, messing with my appetite and overall making everything dark. I talked to my therapist yesterday and he provided me with a few tips on how I can start digging myself out but I thought I would come ask you guys. Do you have any tips on how to dig oneself out of a depressive period that has worked for you???

[JustaGal]

I'm in the process of trying to dig my way out of a pretty deep hole of depression right now. Its causing me to isolate, not go out to places, messing with my appetite and overall making everything dark. I talked to my therapist yesterday and he provided me with a few tips on how I can start digging myself out but I thought I would come ask you guys. Do you have any tips on how to dig oneself out of a depressive period that has worked for you???

Force your self to take walks, even if it is just around the neighborhood. Basically try to do the opposite of what the depression wants you to do.

[MainerMikeBrown]

Superchick,the worst depression I've ever dealt with was back in 1993 and 1994. And although their was no one way for me to defeat the depression, I did everything I could to see the good in the world and the good in my life. Positive thinking helped me, although it was far from being a cure-all.

I've been through many periods of depression in my life since then. But I'm proud of myself for doing everything I could to defeat and overcome my depression that I went through back in 1994.

[potatocod]

If you can find the energy - exercise! I cannot stress how much of a positive effect it has. It is Winter here and I am having trouble getting up in the morning to exercise and it is definitely bringing me down.

The hardest part is getting out the door but once you go it's pretty much done. You get an energy boost (not drain as you'd think) and after a while it builds your confidence.

[gypsylee]

The hardest part is getting out the door but once you go it's pretty much done.

Yep and this applies to pretty much everything when you have depression. I think I must be constantly depressed (or just very lazy) because if I don't have a specific reason to get out of bed I want to stay there all day. But I know I'll just feel worse if I do so I force myself to get up and do something, even if it's just making a cup of tea, and gradually I feel like doing more things. So like Justagal said, you basically do the opposite to what depression wants you to do. It can be hard work but what other option is there?

Good luck :)
Gypsy x

[Pumpkin]

The best thing to do is find things you enjoy doing although this is obviously much easier said than done.

I lost a lot of contact with my friends because they're all into clubs and partying and dressing up whereas my perfect night consists of comfortable clothing, small groups and relaxed environments. That or staying at home and watching a movie or playing video games or being on my computer. I feel like such a lame because i'm so lonely and i'm weirdly content with being alone. I know this is not the way to live though... I'm 19 and I feel like I should be out socializing and meeting new people.... but I just can't do it.

I hope your therapist has given you the tools and motivation you need to start living a happier life. Start off small and before you know it, you will be slowly creeping out of that crappy depression hole. Good luck :)