Here is what I do when I want to get over depression:
When I am recovering from depression, I only do two or three things of the list initially. Bear in mind that recovering from depression is a process. It involves taking one step at a time and takes effort. But each extra daily activity you do is a victory. Try the following:
- Get out of bed;
- Have breakfast;
- Brush teeth;
- Take a shower/long bath;
- Listen to music;
- Go for a 5/10 minute walk;
- Make my bed;
- Clean the kitchen;
- Caress and feed my pet;
- Cook lunch;
- Eat;
- Vacuum the house or iron and fold clothes;
- Read a book;
- Paint;
- Write what I am feeling in a journal;
- Eat fruit and yogurt (in the middle of the afternoon);
- Cook dinner;
- Set the table;
- Give a kiss to my boyfriend when he comes home after work;
- Have dinner;
- Brush teeth;
- Watch TV (avoid depressing news or shows);
- Go for a walk with my boyfriend around the block (if the weather is okay);
- Rent and watch a comedy.
When I am recovering from depression, I only do two or three things of the list initially. Bear in mind that recovering from depression is a process. It involves taking one step at a time and takes effort. But each extra daily activity you do is a victory. Try the following:
- Make a list of activities you do when you are feeling okay. If you have time, make a daily check list (like if you were going to the supermarket).
- Start by getting out of bed and eating (eat something even though you don't feel like it; you need energy to do things).
- If you do not feel like going out and it is sunny, open your window, close your eyes, take a deep breath and feel the sun caressing your face. Try to picture you are at a beach relaxing or picture something that usually makes you happy. For me, that usually does the trick.
- If it is winter and you do not want to leave your house (this only applies if you don't have to go to work or school), make a hot chocolate, go to the living room, lay down on your sofa and snuggle under a blanket. Watch some tv, read a book or listen to relaxing music or a radio show on your mp3 player.
- Do at least one new thing of your activity list every day. You don't have to everything on the list initially. What is important is that you make an effort to feel better, to act on your mood.
- If you leave your house and go for a walk, that's great! It's an important step. Congratulate yourself for that. Tell your family. They'll be happy for you and support you. Give yourself a small reward. Buy a pastry, for instance.
- Ask your psychologist what else can you do to overcome depression (what works for me may not work for you).
- Above all, take medication the doctor prescribed to you and contact him/her immediately if you are feeling worse (having suicide thoughts...).