Being Depressed

[longversion]

What are the things i shouldn't do when i'm depressed?

[release-me]

From my personal experience, I find the following not a good idea when I am depressed:

1 . Using my bed in the daytime/or as a way to avoid the world

2. Disregarding any structure at all. Even if I didn't work or was in education, I still made regular times for showering, exercise, clearing house etc

3. Be unoccupied with tasks so your mind fixes and ruminates on bad things

4. Flake out of prior arrangements. Even though it feels impossible to motivate yourself to see people and get out, it's really important. I've lost so many friends just to not pushing myself enough.

5. Keeping up a pretence. Tell people and be honest with how you are truly feeling. Masks just cause more pain and resentment and isolation.

6. Giving up a hobby or something that prior to the depression you loved. I know depression can suck the passion and enjoyment out of all aspects of life but I think it really important to not give things up. Keep going, because I think they just help sustain you a bit.

These are all I can think of at the moment but I will pop back and add more if I can think of any more.

[Perplex010]

The main thing when you're depressed is to hold on, just to keep going. Don't make any big decisions or make any promises that you know you can't keep. In regards to what you shouldn't do when you're depressed, I think it's better to think about it in terms of what you can do, and also acknowledging that there are boundaries and limits. Whatever progress you make, it will come slowly. Patience is key.

Re: friends, if your friends are really friends, they will understand your situation and they won't push you into doing things you can't do. Good friends should make you feel included in things - you know, just ringing for a random chat, inviting you over to do things that aren't too taxing - just making you feel included and wanted. The worst thing that "friends" can do if you are depressed is make you feel like you're no longer useful to them. Unfortunately most people don't have the patience and you will lose touch with people.

Exercise is helpful - nothing too social I find. So, for me that means I wouldn't dream of going to a Zumba class - really not good for my social anxiety! But a nice walk in the woods, going to the beach, or being out in the countryside is golden.

Creativity - I find being creative gives me a sense of accomplishment. Seriously, even using tumblr can be creative there's a lot of photography and thought provoking stuff on there. Keeping up a good element of mental stimulation when you can is helpful.

Relaxing - Not to use the crisis teams mantra, but baths do have their place. I have an evening routine of dinner, hot shower, then watching Netflix/TV, reading, or going online (I tend to use the Internet for research or tumblr/forums).

Don't drink too much caffeine either, it can contribute to adrenal fatigue which isn't good re: depression. Also try to eat regularly, as blood glucose levels can affect the way you feel.