So I am going through some relationship issues lately. Tacked on to the debt that I have, a car that wastes too much gas, a job that has increased in responsibility and stress but not in wage. I've been feeling really down lately. I don't drink or do drugs so that is out of the question. I was thinking maybe exercising? I usually just play my guitar or play video games when I feel down, but that doesn't seem to be working anymore. Any suggestions?
Dwelling is the worst thing you can do. You need to force yourself to go out with friends and tell yourself you aren't going to talk about your problems, just have fun. I'm not saying don't talk about it, but in a group of people try not to be the debbie downer, or you will alienate those people too. Just try to have fun. It will be hard at first, but it will start to come back around. Surround yourself with positive people as much as you can. If it means doing something every night of the week, do it. I used to be a dweller, and my life has gotten much easier since I let that go a bit.
Man, I was almost suicidal I was in such a depression about two years ago. Unfortunately, the best thing is time. Time is a healer. Unfortunately, it cant be sped up. Exercise is great and it helps with the not being able to sleep part. Being amongst friends is another good one. Meeting new people is terrific. I dont know if youre into this kind of thing, but getting into a good church really helped me. Good luck, bro.
Go do some volunteer work for a children's charity like Make A Wish. It will really put things in perspective. Not to downplay your issues, but seeing children with REAL problems will remind you how good you really have it and make you feel silly for worrying about things like your job and relationships. Again, I'm not trying to downplay your issues.
Take care of yourself. Eat right, exercise, take care of your body - that coupled with doing stuff with friends will increase your self-esteem and help you to dwell on the good things in your life.
Pull out some good comedies if you plan on staying at home. Sometimes the best medicine is laughter. If music helps you any play music. Like someone already mentioned get out and meet some people that tend to be positive. It really helps.
As someone that's battling through it right now and someone that has since 2005, the best advice I can give is go out and get active. That includes exercise and it includes just literally moving one foot in front of the other towards your house door. I did that for the first time yesterday in about 2-3 weeks and it felt great. I started out at 1 pm and didn't get home until 7 or 8 by the time I was done looking for a summer job, walking in the park, going to target, and just driving. It always always starts off slow as hell, the minute you get out of the house or the minute you start doing something, you just want to stop and say **** it. DON'T. Keep going. Every minute you sit around and pity yourself is another minute that you can chalk up in a victory for depression. Even if you hate every activity you did that day (unlikely even for the most morbidly depression), you STILL won against depression because you didn't sit around and whine about "woe is me" all day. You might not be doing those particular activities again, but keep trying and trying and you will eventually find something. edit: Also, try this exercise out. You basically write down 3 things that went well for that day. Of course, with less than ideal situations, you aren't just going to write "well bills are all paid! woohoo!, etc etc", but write the little things down like "I took my cat out for a walk today, I really enjoyed getting out of the house and burning off some calories too". Repeat this for 2 other things. http://tinyurl.com/643zoh Sorry for the information overload but I can't tell you how many countless times I've posted on answerology.com and ask yahoo with my depression questions and people give you little one or two sentence replies that don't help at all. Good luck, -Travis
If you do, go the route I'm going. Psychiatrists are all the equivalent of the clear eyes guy (I'm only basing this on one psychiatrist, so it must be true). Get a psychologist and supplement any possible drugs with a general doctor.
Come to mama, I'll make you feel better! Kidding aside, it's totally normal to feel blue when things are not going right. I am like that when things are not going well for me. I think the best thing is to have a really good cry. (I dunno if it's because I'm a chick) but that can help you to get out all of bad feelings out and move on. Like ima said, looking at people with waaaaay more problems will keep you in check. I do that when I start feeling down. I think of people in Mynmar and China. Hope you feel better!!
