NOTE: I copied this from a Facebook post that encouraged copying and sharing to help with those with depression. I made additions to it, as someone who experiences depression herself, but it is not my own. Just “sharing” to help others.
Take a SHOWER. Not a bath, a shower. Use water as hot or cold as you like. You don’t even need to wash. Just get in under the water and let it run over you for a while. Sit on the floor if you gotta. The pelting of the water stimulates your body, while a bath relaxes you. When you’re in a depressed state, you need to be roused up! Using a scented body wash can help via aromatherapy if you are so inclined.
Moisturize everything. Use whatever lotion you like, preferably a scent that delights you. One that provides deep moisturizer just makes you feel divine, which trickles over to your mood!
Put on clean, comfortable clothes. Make sure they are garments that don’t pinch and are of a material that makes you feel good and comfortable. My favorites are relaxed, super-soft cotton or polar fleece (depending on the time of year).
Use a weighted blanket. I bought mine for anxiety, but it seems to help a bit with depression too, as it makes you feel something. Use as you will, but only if it helps!
Drink COLD water. Use ice. If you want, add some mint or lemon for an extra boost. Vanilla is a good additive too. Whatever container you use is your preference!
Clean something. Doesn’t have to be anything big. Organize one drawer of a desk. Wash five dirty dishes. Do a load of laundry. Scrub the bathroom sink. Heck, even make your bed — this always makes me feel like I accomplished something!
Make food. Don’t just grab a granola bar to munch. Take the time and make food. Even if it’s ramen. Add something special to it, like a soft-boiled egg or some veggies and a bit of protein. Making Mac and Cheese and adding crumbled bacon to it can make it incredible! prepare food, as it tastes way better, and you’ll feel like you accomplished something!
Blast music. Listen to something upbeat and dancy and loud, something that’s got lots of energy. Sing to it, dance to it, even if you suck at both. Use your own or download Pandora, Spotify, etc. as they are free and you can vary your music choices by the stations you select.
Be in a well-lit room. Use a sun lamp if needed. Make sure it’s not harsh light, but bright. This time of year, with the shorter daylight, can depress people. Resist sitting in the dark, so it doesn’t feed depression.
Make something. Write a short story or a poem, draw a picture, color a picture, fold origami, crochet or knit, sculpt something out of clay, or anything artistic. Even if you don’t think you’re good at it. Create. Gratitude journals are a good thing to start if you’re at a loss. I, personally, blog and do blackout poetry.
Go outside. Take a walk. Sit in the grass. Look at the clouds. Smell flowers. Put your hands in the dirt and feel the soil against your skin. Gardening arouses serotonin in the brain. That’s the happy chemical!
Call someone. Call a loved one, a friend, or a family member, call a chat service or a talk radio show if you have no one else to call. Talk to a stranger on the street. Have a conversation and listen to someone’s voice. If you can’t bring yourself to call, text or email, or whatever, just have some social interaction with another person. Even if you don’t say much, listen to them. It helps. (You can always call/text/message me!)
May seem small or silly to some, but this list keeps people alive. Remember:
- At your absolute best you won’t be good enough for the wrong people. But at your worst, you’ll still be worth it to the right ones. Remember that. Keep holding on.
- In case nobody has told you today I LOVE YOU and you are worth your weight (and then) some in gold…so be kind to yourself and most of all keep pushing on!!!!
- People don’t fake depression.. they fake being ok.
Find something to be grateful for!
US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. 1-800-273-8255
US Mental Health Hotline. Call or Text 24/7: 988
