Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
I use a couple of different tools. One of the easiest tools to start using , though it can be difficult to maintain it at first, is called mindfulness. It is being totally in the present and noticing everything around you in whatever you are doing. so if you are vegetating on the couch at first, you begin by taking in everything you can see, all the colours and objects around them. mentally notice them, them notice sounds around you, notice what you smell or taste, notice how each part of your body feels to you, any pains , or if the air is warm or cool on your skin. it takes a little while to notice all the elements of the present moment and what ever you are doing while you are aware of the present moment is all you do during that moment. So if you are say washing dishes, you notice all the elements around you and you think about the dishes you are washing you notice them what they feel like how long they take to rinse. all those details. Now what this achieves, if you continue to keep practicing it every chance you get, is keeps your mind off of you anxiety.
this reduces your stress. When you are stressed, your body releases Cortisol. The higher the level of Cortisol in your body, the more likely your mood and energy level is going to crash, hence depression and being too tired to do anything.
this is just one tool i use, I also use lots of music to keep my mind on the present and off of my anxiety.
another thing I use is creativity. I draw or write or do something else creative to keep my mind centered in the now.
I don't know if any of these will work for you but it is a place to start and maybe from them you will go on to find and discover what does work for you.
triple hugs of support
Sending warm hugs and high fives all around.