Depression toolbox - please add your tips

[OceanBound]

Hi everybody,

I posted these exercises in the self-esteem thread but want to open it up to anyone interested. These are the things I learned in therapy or self-help books to alleviate depression and make myself feel better about myself. Other obvious things are eating right, getting enough exercise, sleep and sunlight. And building your support network.

I am hoping other people will post their tips too. Depression has been a chronic and at times debilitating disease for me, so let's find a better way to deal with it together!

OB

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Two exercises I can recommend from what my shrinks taught me. One is to find your favorite childhood picture where you really love that kid! And then look at it every day and say "I love you just the way you are." Sounds very corny but it did work for me. Couldn't do it without crying the first couple of times and then it got better.

Another thing is to surround yourself with reminders of your success. Anything from a picture of you getting your diploma, any award, anything really that is meaningful to you and shows that you've done something you are proud of.

Another exercise I can suggest is listing at least 3 things that you are proud of every day in a journal. No matter how small. Believe me, in my darkest hours, laundry made the list. More times than I would ever admit. LOL. That one also really helps me.

[evmdimples]

Thanks for starting this thread OB. I'll contribute this to the toolbox: A book called "The Mindful Way through Depression". I'm finding it to be a really good companion to recovery work, it's a simple read and includes a CD with several meditations.

I went to a seminar recently and at the end the presenter had us listen to a 10 minute meditation, it was incredible the effect that small window of time had on all of us! I am now looking for more meditation CDs, so if anyone has suggestions of ones they've used/liked, would appreciate it, thanks!