If you feel depressed, what is your coping mechanism?

[Naghma Qureshi]

In the book, the characters possess emotional battles or silent battles, which mostly lead to depression. For you, what is your coping mechanism if you feel stressed or depressed? What activities or things do you do to lighten up the mood or feelings?

Everyone has different coping mechanisms. Some are healthy, while some can be unhealthy such as stressful eating leading to overeating unhealthy foods. When I'm really stressed out, I tend to feel sleepy. So I let myself sleep more than usual and that helps a lot. I also write about what I am going through and that helps me vent out.

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

In the book, the characters possess emotional battles or silent battles, which mostly lead to depression. For you, what is your coping mechanism if you feel stressed or depressed? What activities or things do you do to lighten up the mood or feelings?

Everyone has different coping mechanisms. Some are healthy, while some can be unhealthy such as stressful eating leading to overeating unhealthy foods. When I'm really stressed out, I tend to feel sleepy. So I let myself sleep more than usual and that helps a lot. I also write about what I am going through and that helps me vent out.

I can relate to sleeping. Sleeping is not just doing nothing. It's repairing stressed cells in our body. I also write when my feelings are worst.

[Jessica Cole 3]

I haven't been depressed in over a decade. I've had sad days and bad days, but actual depression hasn't visited me again for some time. Thankfully, mine wasn't clinical but situational. I coped by doing a few things:
1. Realizing this period in my life would be temporary
2. Figuring out how to best get out of the bad situation I was in
3. Implementing my plan

It's so easy to get swept up in life and think you're always going to be in the bad situation. I think a lot of teens attempt suicide for this reason. If only they knew that life could get better after high school. Thinking about the temporary nature of my problem kept me grounded so I could get to the solution phase. Once there, I had to be realistic about where I was and where I could go. Gigantic leaps couldn't be achieved. Baby steps was all I could muster, but all I needed was to step forward. It didn't matter how I stepped forward. With consistent steps, I made it through.

Before all that, I'm not sure that I coped. The first time I was ever depressed, I lost my appetite and quite a bit of weight. I was already slim, so that wasn't healthy. I wouldn't call that coping. So, the 2nd time, I did the above to avoid a repeat of the first time.

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

I haven't been depressed in over a decade. I've had sad days and bad days, but actual depression hasn't visited me again for some time. Thankfully, mine wasn't clinical but situational. I coped by doing a few things:
1. Realizing this period in my life would be temporary
2. Figuring out how to best get out of the bad situation I was in
3. Implementing my plan

It's so easy to get swept up in life and think you're always going to be in a bad situation. I think a lot of teens attempt suicide for this reason. If only they knew that life could get better after high school. Thinking about the temporary nature of my problem kept me grounded so I could get to the solution phase. Once there, I had to be realistic about where I was and where I could go. Gigantic leaps couldn't be achieved. Baby steps was all I could muster, but all I needed was to step forward. It didn't matter how I stepped forward. With consistent steps, I made it through.

Before all that, I'm not sure that I coped. The first time I was ever depressed, I lost my appetite and quite a bit of weight. I was already slim, so that wasn't healthy. I wouldn't call that coping. So, the 2nd time, I did the above to avoid a repeat of the first time.

Mine is clinical. And still fighting the demons. But thankfully, I have a loving family whom I can lean to. In times, it gets better, but in my case, medication is needed, and it's for a lifetime. But it's okay. That's life. We need to move on, otherwise, life is meaningless.

[Jessica Cole 3]

I haven't been depressed in over a decade. I've had sad days and bad days, but actual depression hasn't visited me again for some time. Thankfully, mine wasn't clinical but situational. I coped by doing a few things:
1. Realizing this period in my life would be temporary
2. Figuring out how to best get out of the bad situation I was in
3. Implementing my plan

It's so easy to get swept up in life and think you're always going to be in a bad situation. I think a lot of teens attempt suicide for this reason. If only they knew that life could get better after high school. Thinking about the temporary nature of my problem kept me grounded so I could get to the solution phase. Once there, I had to be realistic about where I was and where I could go. Gigantic leaps couldn't be achieved. Baby steps was all I could muster, but all I needed was to step forward. It didn't matter how I stepped forward. With consistent steps, I made it through.

Before all that, I'm not sure that I coped. The first time I was ever depressed, I lost my appetite and quite a bit of weight. I was already slim, so that wasn't healthy. I wouldn't call that coping. So, the 2nd time, I did the above to avoid a repeat of the first time.

Mine is clinical. And still fighting the demons. But thankfully, I have a loving family whom I can lean to. In times, it gets better, but in my case, medication is needed, and it's for a lifetime. But it's okay. That's life. We need to move on, otherwise, life is meaningless.

Then you've won a big battle. The fact that you can recognize that this is the help you need, that's one of the hardest parts. Happy to hear you have a support system as well. That can make the biggest of differences. Wishing you well in this war against the demons!

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

I haven't been depressed in over a decade. I've had sad days and bad days, but actual depression hasn't visited me again for some time. Thankfully, mine wasn't clinical but situational. I coped by doing a few things:
1. Realizing this period in my life would be temporary
2. Figuring out how to best get out of the bad situation I was in
3. Implementing my plan

It's so easy to get swept up in life and think you're always going to be in a bad situation. I think a lot of teens attempt suicide for this reason. If only they knew that life could get better after high school. Thinking about the temporary nature of my problem kept me grounded so I could get to the solution phase. Once there, I had to be realistic about where I was and where I could go. Gigantic leaps couldn't be achieved. Baby steps was all I could muster, but all I needed was to step forward. It didn't matter how I stepped forward. With consistent steps, I made it through.

Before all that, I'm not sure that I coped. The first time I was ever depressed, I lost my appetite and quite a bit of weight. I was already slim, so that wasn't healthy. I wouldn't call that coping. So, the 2nd time, I did the above to avoid a repeat of the first time.

Mine is clinical. And still fighting the demons. But thankfully, I have a loving family whom I can lean to. In times, it gets better, but in my case, medication is needed, and it's for a lifetime. But it's okay. That's life. We need to move on, otherwise, life is meaningless.

Then you've won a big battle. The fact that you can recognize that this is the help you need, that's one of the hardest parts. Happy to hear you have a support system as well. That can make the biggest of differences. Wishing you well in this war against the demons!

Yes, thank God, I have them. Thank you so much, Jessica, for your warm wishes. I appreciate you!

[Catalina Isabel]

I have gone through a difficult time when I was younger and I "dealt" with it by writing a whole book about my life as a sort of therapy. Every good and bad thing until the age of 23. This helped me heal and understand myself better, and I moved forward and also started helping others as a career. I have so many techniques to help myself; reading, writing, dancing, fresh air, quality time with people that uplift me. I also love doing meditation and deep breathing if I ever feel stressed.

Wow, was that book published? It seems you can relate the character of Addison in this book; she do journaling. And wow, motivated you to help others as a career, how amazing it is, Catalina! Your techniques were surely effective to lighten the mood. But I haven't tried the technique of dancing, and deep breathing. I tried meditation but I'm not good on it.

Hi Hazel, no it wasn't published as I decided it was too personal so backed out of that idea. But I still use journaling often! It helps clear my mind. Oh I see, I would recommend dancing definitely, it releases endorphins to feel happier. Even something like zumba is great. Meditation can be tough, I prefer guided meditations or even sleep stories personally.

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

I have gone through a difficult time when I was younger and I "dealt" with it by writing a whole book about my life as a sort of therapy. Every good and bad thing until the age of 23. This helped me heal and understand myself better, and I moved forward and also started helping others as a career. I have so many techniques to help myself; reading, writing, dancing, fresh air, quality time with people that uplift me. I also love doing meditation and deep breathing if I ever feel stressed.

Wow, was that book published? It seems you can relate the character of Addison in this book; she do journaling. And wow, motivated you to help others as a career, how amazing it is, Catalina! Your techniques were surely effective to lighten the mood. But I haven't tried the technique of dancing, and deep breathing. I tried meditation but I'm not good on it.

Hi Hazel, no it wasn't published as I decided it was too personal so backed out of that idea. But I still use journaling often! It helps clear my mind. Oh I see, I would recommend dancing definitely, it releases endorphins to feel happier. Even something like zumba is great. Meditation can be tough, I prefer guided meditations or even sleep stories personally.

I guess it's time to download Zumba again. Thanks for recommending it, Catalina.

[Susan Sadiq]

When I feel stressed or depressed. I take a time out to figure out why I feel that way. I find out the reason for my depression. I also watch some comedy to make me laugh. I enjoy making myself laugh.

[Oluoma Chukwu]

When I feel depressed, I watch movies, listen to music or play games on my phone. If I don't feel better, I think about people who are going through difficult times worse than mine and I instantly feel better.

[Justin Christensen]

What is my REAL coping mechanism or what do I WISH it was? In reality I am a stress-eater. I turn to food and anger when I feel stressed, or inadequate. When I actually catch myself in these habits I will make myself take a break from the stress, do some yoga, go on a hike, etc. I find that physical effort helps me take my mind off of my problems and leaves me tired enough to get some good sleep as well.

[Alice Fu]

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.

[Catalina Isabel]

Wow, was that book published? It seems you can relate the character of Addison in this book; she do journaling. And wow, motivated you to help others as a career, how amazing it is, Catalina! Your techniques were surely effective to lighten the mood. But I haven't tried the technique of dancing, and deep breathing. I tried meditation but I'm not good on it.

Hi Hazel, no it wasn't published as I decided it was too personal so backed out of that idea. But I still use journaling often! It helps clear my mind. Oh I see, I would recommend dancing definitely, it releases endorphins to feel happier. Even something like zumba is great. Meditation can be tough, I prefer guided meditations or even sleep stories personally.

I guess it's time to download Zumba again. Thanks for recommending it, Catalina.

No worries!! Let me know how it goes it puts me in a great mood if I wake up tired in the morning

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

Hi Hazel, no it wasn't published as I decided it was too personal so backed out of that idea. But I still use journaling often! It helps clear my mind. Oh, I see, I would recommend dancing definitely, it releases endorphins to feel happier. Even something like Zumba is great. Meditation can be tough, I prefer guided meditations or even sleep stories personally.

I guess it's time to download Zumba again. Thanks for recommending it, Catalina.

No worries!! Let me know how it goes it puts me in a great mood if I wake up tired in the morning

I just downloaded two. Listening to the "Shalala Zumba", puts me in a good mood. How much more dancing it. I guess it's time to start dancing today.

[Bettny Andrade]

I normally seek to sing and dance freely at home. But on the few occasions when I have been very depressed I read a lot, or did writing work so that I could stop paying attention to the feeling of depression.