Wow, long thread with some good advice.
Oh dear ... depression ...
I’m not sure if I’ve been depressed before, but I’ve been very, very upset/anxious/sad/lonely at two/three times several years ago.
Apart from the general advice (below), I would suggest thinking about what negative aspects is the root cause of the depressive feelings. Is someone controlling you? Are you feeling pressured by your parents? Do you lack social interactions? Have you just broken up? Are you embarking on a new chapter in your life?
Once the root causes have been identified – I think it is a matter of thinking positively and optimistically. Optimistic people live longer, are better connected and are more successful. Being optimistic, most of the time that is!
Let me think now ...
For example:
Instead of: Someone is controlling me. I’m such a pushover.
Think rather: This is a good opportunity to learn how to handle and stand my ground.
Instead of: I’m lacking social interactions. No one wants to hang around with me.
Think rather: This is a good opportunity to find ways to meet new friends. If I can do it now, I can do it again and organically grow a circle of friends whenever I need to.
Instead of: I was just dumped, I’ll die alone, no one will ever love me.
Think rather: Relationships are a continual process. It wasn’t her/him or me: it was us. Let’s think what went wrong and use it to discover someone who’s better suited for me in the future. My parents and ancestors attracted a mate, then chances are I can too.
Instead of: I don’t know how things are going to turn out. Life is uncertain and I’m worried about the future.
Think rather: The future is what I will create it to be. I will do this by planning, organising and taking opportunities. If other people can be successful, there is nothing stopping me. I am confident in life’s uncertainties. Where there is uncertainty, there is opportunity in doing something I’ve never thought of.
So ... you get the picture. Life is full of setbacks and rejections. But even the most successful people have failed in life, from businessmen to sports athletes.
So, apart from the
frame of mind in combatting depressive tendencies, other more daily routines for the mind as mentioned by others include (to my opinion):
- listening to good music
- laughing, even if it means watching an episode of Friends!
- exercise: at least 4 times a week to get the endorphins in
- staying in touch with people/organising some social time/not being too lonely
- reading a good novel
- embark on a new hobby/accomplish a project (learn an instrument, run a marathon, join a charity)
One I haven’t tried but would suggest is keeping a pet.
Aren't we a nice bunch of CEMBers here helping each other out?
Topic: How do you handle depression?