Coping methods away from home
Hey, all! My depression is constant, but I have what I call depressive episodes that are worse and harder than other good times.
Does anyone have any coping tips for when the depression episodes hit and you arent at home? Could be at work, out with friends, out of town. I get very low, emotionally, my self-esteem and self worth is pretty much non-existent, and suicidal thoughts become rampant, making me not care about anything.
Thanks! I really appreciate any ideas!
@Desiringchange1475 I experience the same thing! If Im at work I cope by playing music or whistling. If thats too loud and annoys others I try to move around as much as possible. Sometimes I quickly text a friend to tell them how Im feeling. If Im driving and I get super depressed theres really not much I can do. Ive built a playlist specifically to distract me from my self destructive thoughts. I open the windows on really bad days so the fresh air forces me to think about other things. ~I get cold and such~ Typically on an airplane I will try to sleep the whole time or put my head down on the tray table and think about positive things. Those are just a few of my most helpful coping methods away from home. Sorry for the long post! Hope that helps!
@Donutmuncher Thanks! Definitely not too long a post. I appreciate your input! Music and having a specific playlist sounds like a good idea. I have played music some before but I havent had a playlist.
@Desiringchange1475 - Whenever I'm down self care is of paramount importance. Self care comes in many forms, so it will be good if you can know what works best for you and try to think about it and plan for it in times when you are not feeling so down, but more clear-headed. Values also helps me. To know what is important to me and to stick to those things, act on them. I know that when we get depressed it feels like nothing matters and we don't care about anything. But again, this is something you can work out for yourself when you are feeling more on even ground. And then to combine that with the ACT thought of: "I'm having the thought or the feeling that I don't care" and observing that and doing what is important to you anyway. Or asking yourself: "Can I give it a try anyway?" Instead of identifying with your dark thoughts and emotions and then feel paralyzed. But I know some of these things take a bit of practice. So I'd start with just being good to yourself and giving yourself the care and attention that you need.