Alternative ways to cope with depression

You said it perfectly Alani ❤️

I reach out to friends who also deal with mental illness, they help me normalize my symptoms and remind me that there’s nothing wrong with me or my character, I just have an illness. I attend NAMI peer to peer groups. NAMI is an amazing organization, if you don’t know about them, please google! I make myself go for a walk every day. Having a dog helps motivate me. There are days when nothing makes me feel better or pulls me out of the depression funk, but at least I can feel proud of myself for trying to be proactive. And if there are days where you can’t get out of bed, please know that you are still worthy and lovable, and that your depression does not define you ❤️

I try motivate myself to do things I care about. I like having a clean apt so I talk myself into cleaning up to making me feel better. I also like making a little home cooked meal and sit on the patio to get some fresh air. I think it’s important to do things you like to do, because they don’t seem as much of a chore despite it still being hard to stay motivated

Totally agree peachycat!!

I go and do a task I don’t want to do but know will help me. For example, when I am sitting in a crippling depressive episode and my trash bags have all piled up needing to be taken outside, I literally try to snap myself “out of it” to go take the trash out. Or do a load of dishes, or clean the litter box. Whatever task is waiting for me then. I’m not sure if this is only me lol but I think because I hate doing any chores I tend to leave all of them when I’m depressed, and by forcing myself to do just one I feel SO empowered.

Going outside for air. Take a walk. Do something you enjoy. Call a friend or family member. Clean. Shower. Pamper Yourself.

Thank you! I will definitely check that out

Okay...I thought I could edit my comment, but I found the exercises in this book: "Snap Out of It: 101 Ways to Get Out of Your Rut...." by Ilene Segalove to be helpful

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/snap-out-of-it-101-ways-to-get-out-of-your-rut--into-your-groove_ilene-segalove/926029/item/2868457/?gclid=CjwKCAiAgvKQBhBbEiwAaPQw3Jn2N9_A2wCQ_3o6wg91JyJZ6cqnaD9v5lUAWRv2_IsnHUvm8JPVjBoChDcQAvD_BwE#idiq=2868457&edition=4339786