What do you do when you're depressed?

I'm feelin a little blue today, and I thought it might be cool to start something where we all share what we do when you're depressed to cheer yourself up with. So that way whenever one of us (like me!) gets depressed we can try something new to help us cheer up.

Personally, I curl up to a feel good movie or book. But that's just not cuttin' it today. What do YOU do?

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27 replies since 10th August 2010 • Last reply 10th August 2010

Reply #1:

I have Depression and General Anxiety Disorder, so when I'm having a really, really bad day I try to do something constructive that's within the limits of my illness.

I've recently started blogging about the illness, the blog is called Getting By and is at http://roseydreamer.blogspot.com to let off some steam.

Otherwise I've just taken up crocheting and have to say I love it. Am finding it more forgiving than knitting and that I can make pretty quick progress. So on a day when I'm literally feeling so bad that I'm sat down twiddling my thumbs, I actually have something nice to show for it now! Happy

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Reply #2:

Any simple craft, like embroidering or knitting. If I'm depressed and try to make a dress from scratch, it'll probably go wrong and then I'll get even worse. Or making presents - I prefer doing that to making something for myself.

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Reply #3:

do what you are doing right now, talk about it, play upbeat music or go for a walk, it helps me

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Reply #4:

One of three things. 1.) destroy something. Then make something. 2.) Play Mischief Brew or Defiance, Ohio in the kitchen and dance like a maniac. 3.) Ride bike in one direction until my legs fall off.

Also the occasional C+KO rant.

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Reply #5:

usually when i am upset i head right to the kitchen, which is a bad idea and i don't recommend it, and it doesn't make me feel any better in the long run. getting out of the house always helps me. just going for a stroll. a cup of hot tea and some craft time get me out of a funk too Happy

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Reply #6:

Music, I either hold a random dance party in my room with myself (sometimes I invited some friends which is just as good) or I pug in my guitar and play it until the music makes me feel like the songs I'm playing, if that makes any sense.
I also have people talk to me. I just tell them I need them to start talking and once they do I just spend some time getting lost in their world and their life.

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Reply #7:

BakingXD or if I'm angry/depressed I find attacking my scrap fabric works wondersHappy
basically anything where the outcome doesnt matter

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Reply #8:

I either watch a good, bloody film, read, craft, bake, or go shopping. (The last has the fastest results.. if I have money to spend DHappy

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Reply #9:

Dance. Even dancing in my house is OK... but out with others is better.

Either that or cook.

Ideally, I like to set up a photoshoot or performance project, but that takes time, people, places and money... so it isn't really ideal for the unexpected 'down day'. Mind you I now have a new camera and a gorilla grip, so I can photoshop landscapes and layer them with people shot indoors... ooh, good idea...

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Reply #10:

Joy K, I'm totally the same way with the shopping, ya know what I do sometimes though? I'll "window shop" online and just build up a wishlist, it doesn't work quite as well but it helps a little Happy

I love all the ideas guys!!!

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Reply #11:

Mildly depressed and feeling a big blue -> Usually I watch a favorite feel good movie or some episodes of a series and keep myself busy with something simple to do with my hands. (Origami, knitting, writing out a plan of something I'm going to make).

Very depressed -> Usually I stay in bed, same feel good movie playing but usually I'm just aimlessly internet surfing. Generally on the look out for something like tetris or pacman. A no brainer game (again, to keep my hands busy and my find focused on something other than myself).

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Reply #12:

So many good ideas! I have to agree about going shopping or for a walk, either of those seem to help although if neither of those is an option (e.g. I’m strapped for cash or it’s raining), I like to have a long hot shower or bath and then pamper myself with a home facial with the works from a cleanser through to a mask and my topped off with my favourite moisturiser. I know that sounds ridiculously girly, but that always helps me to feel more refreshed and good that I have done something to pamper myself and had some “me” time. Happy

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Reply #13:

Oooo CraftyFox, that's an excellent idea! Very girly indeed and therefore perfect for me! Though I'm mostly girly in my own house, it's perfect! I might have to do that soon just to feel refreshed in general!

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Reply #14:

I love listening to music and going crazy in my room, dancing, singing, throwing pillows, etc. It really helps. Otherwise I just talk to my pets (I know that probably sounds stupid but it works) or go and sit outside in nature and look at little things that people don't usually notice, like the different patterns on tree trunks or different colours in the sky. It helps if I keep myself distracted like that

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