I try to get on line and see if there is anyone who wants to talk or exchange messages. I learned to braid leather, and I do that. I read a book. I have discovered that I can draw a little, and I do that. If I have a home project, I can sometimes lose myself in that. It seems when I get busy, I get better; provided it is not just 'busywork'. Helping someone else seems to always do me more good than them. I also pray and meditate. There is a full court press of stuff one can do to combat a slipping mood. BIG THING: don't fear the slipping mood. That will make it worse. Hope I was some use to you. I hope others will respond to your post. If not, you can always message me, and I will message back. Peace be with you!

Sounds like me. As long as I have something or someone to keep me occupied and keep my mind off of life, Im fine. But the moment my mind isn't occupied, I immediately come back into reality.
I think we try to find other things to keep our mind off of depression subconsciously. Anything to 'escape'.

yes I like to escape too. I have really been into the episodes of Mountain Men on the history channel lately

totally understand this.
honestly i just try to stay as busy as possible with work and stuff.

easier said than done though :(

hope you get more helpful responses than this one!! ;)

If I am not at work or out with my friends, I am constantly online or reading.. I read a lot, about 5 books in three weeks. I feel that helps, but I can not always do these things, and when I cant I need to find a way to cope, but I do not know how

I also struggle with the down time blues. I work full time and am in grad school online. When I have a little down time, I should be enjoying it, however, with a lack of close friends to do things with, I find myself in a struggle to get out of the house and be active. I often turn to the local bartender when I start to feel down, but obviously that is only a quick fix and in the end, I still feel just as bad. I have also been trying to work out more as that also helps with the seratonin, but alas, i have fallen off that wagon as well. I hope you can find something that will work for you, as I am still struggling to find what works for me.

Have a blessed day!
~A

I think this may have something to do with having a certain personality type. On the MBTI test, there are two main, opposite personalities; introvert and extrovert. An introvert directs energy inward, while an extrovert directs energy outward. Introverts are most comfortable having free time, although they often enjoy social situations as well, although too much of it can be draining. They need to recharge by spending time alone. Opposed to introverts, extroverts are most comfortable in social situations, and too much time alone is often draining. They get energy from social situations.

People contain both introvert and extrovert features. I'm mainly an introvert, and I usually enjoy being around my crazy friends if I don't feel depressed and unwell. I'm sure that at a point, it would probably drain my energy after awhile if it lasted too long.

If you are an extrovert and you think you feel this way because of being an extrovert, I would think that an engaging hobby of some sort would be occupying. Perhaps, exercising? I've seen some INTENSE craft kits where there's cement and glass and you're supposed to make mosaic stepping stones, crafts, etc. Really cool stuff, There's volunteering, which is social. I volunteer at a pet shelter, and it's pretty social. I have a karaoke machine...etc.



Anyway, I got to this one point when I was depressed where I was experiencing strange, uncomfortable emotions. They were emotions I had never felt before; it wasn't typical depression. I felt like I was crawling out of my skin, and it wasn't a medication I was taking. I can't explain it. I completely lost interest in everything. It wasn't simply being bored and having a lack of interest; it was, I don't know how to explain it...

Is this usual for you? Could this be depression?



Also, my dad said that he controls his depression by staying busy. I don't think he's necessarily extroverted; he's not necessarily outgoing, but he can't stand to be alone. I heard people like to distract themselves from depression and their problems, but I read a recent study that suggests it's not all that effective; the distraction is temporary, and once it's over, your problems are still there.



It's very possible that I'm wrong, but I thought I'd throw something out there. Hugs