Depression tips
Shower. Not a bath, a shower. Use water as hot or cold as you like. You don’t even need to wash. Just get in under the water and let it run over you for a while. Sit on the floor if you need to.
Moisturize everything. Use whatever lotion you like, and use it all over your entire body.
Put on clean, comfortable clothes.
Put on your favorite underwear.
Drink cold water. Use ice. If you want, add some mint or lemon for an extra boost.
Clean something. Doesn’t have to be anything big. Organize one drawer of a desk. Wash five dirty dishes. Do a load of laundry.
Blast music. Listen to something upbeat and dancey and loud, something that’s got lots of energy. Sing to it, dance to it, even if you suck at both.
Make food. Don’t just grab a Kit Kat bar to munch. Take the time and make food. Even if it’s beans on toast. Add something special to it, like a soft boiled egg or some veggies. Prepare food, it tastes way better, and you’ll feel like you accomplished something.
Make something. Write a short story or a poem, draw a picture, color a picture, fold origami, crochet or knit, anything artistic. Even if you don’t think you’re good at it.
Go outside. Take a walk. Sit in the grass. Look at the clouds. Smell flowers. Put your hands in the dirt and feel the soil against your skin.
Call someone. Call a loved one, a friend, a family member, call a chat service if you have no one else to call. Have a conversation and listen to someone’s voice. If you can’t bring yourself to call, text or email or whatever, just have some social interaction with another person. Even if you don’t say much, listen to them. It helps.
Cuddle your pets if you have them/can cuddle them. Take pictures of them. Talk to them. Tell them how you feel, about your favorite movie, a new game coming out, anything.
May seem small or silly to some, but this list keeps people alive.
*** At your absolute best you won’t be good enough for the wrong people. But at your worst, you’ll still be worth it to the right ones. Remember that. Keep holding on.
Find something to be grateful for!
Ten Things You Can Do for Your Mental Health
Value yourself
Take care of your body
Surround yourself with good people
Give yourself
Learn how to deal with stress
Quiet your mind
Set realistic goals
Break up the monotony
Avoid alcohol and other drugs
Get help when you need it
Grief and Loss
Allow yourself to grieve - It is natural to cry. Many people find crying a relief. Exploring and expressing emotions can be a part of the process. Listening to music or writing can help. Time spent alone can allow you to connect with your emotions.
Live one day at a time - Set a regular daily routine and do something special for yourself every day. Try to go for a walk, eat healthily, meditate and relax. It’s a good idea to avoid making any major decisions for a year after the death of someone you love.
Seek help - Talking to your doctor, people at a support group or a relative or friend you trust can be a big help.
Stay connected - It’s also important to spend time with supportive people. Accept offers of help, talk about your loved one, or simply spend time with others.
Create positive memories - Honour the life of the person who has died. Collect photos or keepsakes, write a journal, write a letter to the person who died, or share stories and rituals with others. These can all help to create meaning after loss.
Look after your health - Get some regular exercise, eat healthy food and make sure you have enough sleep. Avoid recreational drugs and keep alcohol use to a sensible level.
Surviving anniversaries - Birthdays, anniversaries or holidays can trigger intense feelings of grief. It may help to mark these occasions with a simple ceremony like lighting a candle, playing music or gathering with family.