What do you do when you feel like you're slipping?

@emptyskies707, sorry to hear that you are currently feeling worse. I am proud of you that you are being proactive and reaching to this community with a thoughtful question! I hope we can all help and come up with some ideas - I always love to learn how others cope with their symptoms on day-to-day basis.

When I am feeling tired and without any energy, there are two routes I can take. But it all depends on my energy levels, and not on my thoughts or inner dialogue. I try not to believe myself when my depression tells me that I am feeling tired. I am trying to listen to my body instead and what signals it sends to me.

If I feel without energy, slowed down, slouched or like a ball of wrinkled paper, I would do something physical (which is maybe counterintuitive, but it works). I would dance in my room (to the playlist, youtube video or just playing a dance video game), go for a 5min walk or simply go outside to throw away the trash, water my plants, fold my clothes, clean my table and couch from all of the stuff I accumulated, wash dishes (which I hate), do some yoga, etc. It doesn't have to be grand - the purpose is to move my body around. Most of the time physical actions will turn something on in my brain and change the gears to a higher speed, allowing me to get through the motions.

However, if I feel drained or my body is full of aches, I would give myself the permission to just relax. I would lay down on bed for 10-20 minutes and just wind down. You do not have to nap to let your body recharge. Or I will meditate or take a warm shower or bath.

And then I will repeat the process. I truly believe that struggling with depression is really energy-draining, so it is vital to give yourself lots of space to rest and not berate yourself for doing it. Patience and self-compassion also make a huge difference, alongside professional help and your support network.

How about you, @emptyskies707? What have you been doing so far to help yourself?