Re: What to do for Depression

Hi Michelle,

Okay, I really know nothing about depression, I can only offer a few tips which are not medical, rather psychological. I hope i'm not patronising you with my advice, but I've found the following are all very influential on our state of wellbeing:

Music
Colour
Sunlight
Body position/expresion
Tidiness

If you don't keep your home particularly straight or clean, tidy it up and you'll feel a lot better (especially if there are big things obstructing your way around the home). If your walls are dark, or reddish hues: paint over them and get everything bright, clean and sunny (magnolia walls and yellow curtains are very cheerful!). Don't have too much strong colour, but a few touches of very vibrant colours here and there will liven your mind up.

Get as much sunlight as you can. If you work indoors, do all you can to get to the windows, and get outside as often as possible, especially when the sun's out!

Listen to uplifting music that reminds you of times when you were really happy (even if it's as far back as childhood). Play the music in the morning, loud. This will set you up for the day.

Whenever you can, try not to huddle over or look down too much. If you sit back and look up more, you will become happier. Try to look into the sky when you're walking perhaps, or even put your TV higher so you're looking up at it?

Just a silly suggestion, and no idea if this would help, but how about watching a little kids' TV? Everthing always seems more cheerful and fun on those shows. I used to watch a kids' show every morning while I had my breakfast (because nothing else was on at that time) and it brightened me up quite a lot.

Er... and try to smile as much as you can. Even if it's a fake smile, it still counteracts depression, so maybe try to smile at people you meet, even if you feel horrible inside? The smile will bounce off other people and return to you, and this will help.

Laughter? But everyone knows that one. Laughing out loud every day is very healthy and and raises your spirits. Not easy to do when you're depressed though! I guess if there's any TV show that ever made you laugh out loud, buy the DVD and watch it! Common sense I guess but worth mentioning.

That's about all I can think of. Although, and I don't mean to be overly preachy here, for anyone who is depressed I would recommend becoming a Christian! (Or, if you are one, getting more involved in the Christian community). Statistically, Christians are happier people, regardless of their circumstances. I am a Christian and I would recommend it because my life has been improved so much thanks to Jesus and I believe he can help you too. It can bring a lot of comfort to some people to know that God loves them in times of desperation, and I believe it's true and he's always there for you. I have personally been spoken to by God, and I know others who have too.

With that said, I hope you don't take offence to my recommendations. Just sharing my thoughts!

However you deal with your depression, I wish you the best with your recovery and hope you're back to your old self soon.

I'm glad you came to the forum because it is reassuring to know we're all suffering together and we're not alone. I hope you take comfort in knowing you have our support and sympathy Michelle.

I send my love and best wishes over the Internet! :) :) :)

Lee