Lived Experience Forum

[LFS]

Hi everone, I'm struggling a lot with my mental health and are feeling very depressed. Any tips to help deal with this would be very much appreciated?.

[utopia]

Hi @LFS.
Are you on medication for your depression? I find if I don't take mine at a regular time, I start slipping.
As much as I like to hibernate when I'm in my depression, I find it really important to stay in contact with others. So if I don't leave the house, I speak to my mum and my best friend on the phone.
Also connecting with people on the Forum also helps keep me connected.
Doing one special thing for yourself everyday. Be it;
* have a chocolate or other treat
* play your favorite music
* sit in the sun/shade and listen to the birds around you - or other nature sounds
* sit on the grass - let your hands touch it and pluck it or hug a tree (not weird)
* watch a favorite comedy
* use a soft blanket or dressing gown and use it as a comfort
* pat a dog or cat

@LFS - have a look around the forum and join in with conversations. You are never alone here.

[LFS]

Yes I'm on medication for my depression.

[utopia]

How did you go with Christmas @LFS?
Did you join up with family or friends for lunch or dinner?
Are you getting out of the house and getting some exercise and fresh air? Exercise can help with your moods - as can good sleep.

[CheerBear]

Sorry @LFS, I went to like your post and must have clicked post instead of like.

@utopia has some great suggestions there. Depression can make me want to retreat and that isn't always helpful. Staying connected with others is something I find hard sometimes but often really helpful, as Utopia mentioned too.

There's a thread about coping tools that you can search for in the search bar too that may help (or if someone not on the app can post the link to).

Hope you find the forum helpful for you.