If you feel depressed, what is your coping mechanism?

[britcott30]

As an introvert one, I prefer to be alone for a moment or "me time" for a moment. It helps me refresh my mind, to do whatever I like alone. Because I don't usually have too much social battery, especially if I feel depressed. It gives me a headache if I have to face or hear another word from other people, even if it's from someone I love.

[Marissa Maniaci]

Just like Bertha, I try to realize that others are going through things that are much worse. Reading also helps me. When I can become immersed in someone else’s world, my mind doesn’t dwell on my “problems”. I realize, though, that for someone considering suicide their problems seem insurmountable.

I also definitely use reading as a coping mechanism. I agree that the dissociation of jumping into someone else's life instead of my own can temporarily alleviate some of the worst depression and anxiety, but I acknowledge that it isn't going to do anything to resolve my actual problems. For me, it is more just trying to get myself into a better mindset to be able to come back to my reality and do something about my circumstances. Maybe I should learn from some of the responses in this forum and take up reading self-help to get double the benefit!

[Carly Sprout]

When it gets too much I usually zone out in front of the tv or listen to music. I used to write but it has gotten a bit too difficult to continue. I will also just like to emphasize the importance of professional help. For those who are able to access it, therapy works.

[Sonia_Gonzalez]

Back when I was in therapy, my therapist told me I could do three things:
- Congratulate me for every step I took, even if the next day I could not take it. Getting out of bed, making breakfast, taking a shower, going out, it didn't matter what it was, as long as it made me feel better.
- At the end of the day, write everything I was grateful for, or everything I liked during the day.
- Stop being hard on myself.

The last one is the hardest.

[Naghma Qureshi]

I have had many such moments of silent emotional battles. I bet we all do at different points of time in our lives. Sometimes self-help techniques like journalling, meditation, breathing exercises, etc help to cope. But many times it's important to seek professional help. Recently I used professional help in coping with some of the stressors. I found the sessions greatly helpful. As a result of lightening up my emotional burden, I was able to focus on my work and personal life with relaxed mind.

[Oluwasegun Timothy]

Exploring one's interests and embracing creative pursuits can serve as a delightful diversion and foster a sense of fulfillment. Prioritizing our physical well-being becomes imperative through the adoption of a nourishing diet, ample sleep, and the integration of relaxation techniques. It is crucial to acknowledge that everyone possesses distinct coping strategies, and seeking professional support is advisable when feelings of stress or sadness become unmanageable. Demonstrating patience and compassion towards oneself in the face of challenging circumstances holds great significance, as self-care is an individual odyssey that deserves our utmost attention.

[Kaylyn_Marie]

I have a few coping mechanisms depending on my mood. I suffer from anxiety and depression so I frequently find myself feeling down and reclusive, just like the characters in Swimming in a Sea of Stars. My usual way of coping is to read (of course), but if I'm not in the mood for that I will manic-clean my entire house. Feeling productive or useful will usually get me out of a slump.

[Kaylyn_Marie]

I agree! Once I open a book the thoughts in my brain shut down and I am fully immersed in the story. I saw a TikTok that described this feeling and I felt so seen. The book pages open and all of my insecurities, worries, trauma, and anxiety goes away.

Just like Bertha, I try to realize that others are going through things that are much worse. Reading also helps me. When I can become immersed in someone else’s world, my mind doesn’t dwell on my “problems”. I realize, though, that for someone considering suicide their problems seem insurmountable.

[Kaylyn_Marie]

I cope the exact same way. I distance myself and like to be alone when I'm feeling down. Unfortunately, my best friend is the exact opposite, when she's feeling down she likes to surround herself with people and throw parties which leads to use having some disagreements and her feeling like I'm not happy with our friendship.

Giving yourself the space to heal and gather your thoughts and feel like yourself again is so important and validating for your mind.

When I feel down, I usually prefer being alone. I do some breathing exercises, listen to self-help podcasts, and spend time reading in my room. I don't usually go out or make plans with anyone because I need that alone time to recharge before facing the world again. I'm someone who gets drained by social interactions, so when I'm feeling depressed, it's even harder for me to be social. That's why I give myself the space and time to heal by being alone.

[Kaylyn_Marie]

This is so important! I love that you mentioned congratulating yourself on the little things. My accomplishments look different each day; some days I conquer a huge project, clean the whole house and go for a run, but sometimes my accomplishment of the day is simply having the will to get out of bed. Romanticizing your life and giving yourself the space to heal and rest is crucial.

Back when I was in therapy, my therapist told me I could do three things:
- Congratulate me for every step I took, even if the next day I could not take it. Getting out of bed, making breakfast, taking a shower, going out, it didn't matter what it was, as long as it made me feel better.
- At the end of the day, write everything I was grateful for, or everything I liked during the day.
- Stop being hard on myself.

The last one is the hardest.

[Kaylyn_Marie]

Certainly not a healthy one, but we are all guilty of having some unhealthy coping mechanisms so don't beat yourself up.

Maybe analyze why eating makes you feel better and see what else you can do to garner that feeling you get when you snack. You can certainly feel that satisfying and relaxing feeling from other activities as well.

I don’t think it is a healthy one, but my coping mechanism is to just avoid my problems and binge eat.

[Kaylyn_Marie]

Feeling your feelings is so healthy! A lot of people lean on coping mechanisms to forget their problems but don't take the time to figure out what the feelings they are feeling are and why they feel that way. I am so glad to hear that you take the time to think about your feelings and fully process them before deciding to cope with them.

When I feel depressed, I tend to just sit and let myself feel the negative emotions for some time. Once I've had time to process the worst of my thoughts, I like to express my feelings to some close friends because expressing my concerns often helps me organize myself better. I then proceed that by taking a walk outside or listen to calming music.

[Shanesha Sammerson]

If I am feeling depressed I practice self-care: Engage in activities that promote self-care and relaxation. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, listening to music, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or engaging in hobbies that bring me joy.

[Chimdik Chimezi]

When I am feeling depressed, I tend not to stay alone but mingle with people with the hope to forget about what is causing the depression and anticipation that I will catch a passion which will help me break free.

[Leasa Ana Maria]

Every time I feel depressed I prepare one of my favorites tea and start crocheting. Or I look for an interesting TV show and watch a couple of seasons from it.