How do you cope with depression?

One of the ways I cope with depression is to force myself to get up and get out. My depression has to do with the changing seasons. I need a certain amount of sunlight that I just don't get in the wintertime. I live in a basement apartment. I don't want to stay in there all winter, so I force myself to get out, even if it's only to the cafe for a drink.

I'm also bipolar and as long as I stay on my meds I don't get depressed. But when I do, or if I run out of my meds and can't afford them, which happens often, I try to cope by getting with others like you and discussing it openly and honestly. Being active helps, even if the activity is writing or talking to someone who understands. My children don't understand my condition and they tell me I'm just a bad person or I'm messed up in the head. But I know the truth is that my chemicals aren't right and I need the medicine to help me balance out. Sometimes you just have to force yourself to get up, splash your face with water and brush your teeth. Give yourself affirmations every day. Read your bible, and remember the promises God made to us. WE are the head and not the tail. No weapon formed against us shall prosper. Tell yourself that you're a good person. Tell yourself that you are worthy of love. Look in the mirror and smile at yourself. Buy yourself a gift. Be good to you. You've made it this far, and thank God you understand that you do have a problem that can be fixed. And remember that the low side is usually temporary. If you need it, ask your doctor for help. Tell them you're feeling depressed and they may want to up your meds for a few days until you feel better. But don't just ignore it.

Also, if you're on meds, please be sure to take them. They can help a lot! :)

I'm bipolar too & sometimes the depression is almost more than I can bear. I am able to do my job even when I'm very depressed... but I don't function as well at home. If it's not too severe, I usually write poems or paint to get my mind off of things. Bipolar disorder can be great for making you creative! Also, I get online & myLot or chat with friends. If it's pretty severe, I'll usually take a nap. Most of the time, I can sleep it off. I hope this helps!

Although I'm not bipolar, often I've been depressed in the past. Awhile back I read that there is a natural substance in whole wheat bread and whole wheat pasta called selenium that can help people who suffer depression. I tried it, and it made me feel better. You can also get selenium from vitamin stores too. Supposedly it works on the brain to make you feel happy. That's what it did for me! Best of luck. Be well.

Keeping myself constantly busy with useless stuff help me cope with depression. What i've noticed lately, depression usually strikes me in 2 month intervals. After 2 months of feeling alright, I find myself depressed again. It's a vicious cycle but i'm just glad i'm never alone during my bad days.

It's funny you mention you are on a down cycle at the moment. I'm taking medication for my depression and have had no problems until Winter kicked in! I'm doing the normal hibernation/sleeping thing that I normally do which is really a pain in the butt. I'm aware of what is happening, but finding it really hard to shake right now. For me, I find if I just set myself simple tasks to complete each day I feel like I have achieved something. Trying to be outside, even though it is so cold is helpful for me also. It can really be a difficult time when these periods kick in, and I'm fortunate to have one really great friend that knows how I get and keeps an eye on me. If I fall too far, she tries to shake me out of it. She knows I need a gentle push at these times and is there to provide that. I think the best thing that anyone can do for themselves when they are feeling down is be kind to themselves and know that the feeling will pass even when it feels like it wont....

Depression ..it has become routine . It's not just coping up with situations, but living days in utmost frustration and despair. Depression - it is becoming a way of life for me. I feel as though a curse has befallen on me and I find no way of redemption.

I'm pretty sure that my methods do not work for everyone. Mine is faith based. When ever I have some thing to big to take care of on my own I turn to Jesus Christ. BUT it does help if you are able to get up and be a little active I know its hard but if you get some of those endorphins flowing you maybe able to give those boot straps a firm yank and feel better really soon! I also think it helps who you are around you need to be around happy people... people who love you. And if you are not feeling better in 2 weeks you need to go see a Dr! Chin up popit!

I find that, if you feel it, tell someone, but try to get some alone time to think things over. Think of some situations you may have been in and try to find the light in the dark, that is to say, look at the positive. If it gets worse, track down the one you told and talk to them about it. Be sure that this is someone you can trust to talk to and let out a little emotion. This has worked for me, and it was advised to me. Somewhere along the line, it saved my life too.

I spiral down usually after I've been manic. While I wait for my brain chemicals to straighten themselves out, I am very very good to myself. I remind myself that my brain is playing tricks with my mind. I try to do just one thing a day - even if it's taking a shower. If I'm able to pull myself up a little higher, then I exercise. It's amazing how much better I feel! Chocolate is a must have when I'm depressed as well. Just be kind to yourself and know that it won't last forever. My thoughts are with you.