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What's the best way to stop fixating on sadness and try to focus on the positive when your mind is clouded by depression?

21 Answers
Last Updated: 04/21/2020 at 12:16am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Stacy Overton, PhD.

Counselor

I am an enthusiastic life-long learner and also a professor of counseling. I have a passion for peoples stories and helping to guide and empower the human spirit.

Top Rated Answers
Alovinglistener
May 31st, 2016 1:05am
the best way to stop fixating on sadness and try to focus on the positive is surrounding yourself with positive people that you enjoy being around with.
MusicLover1994
April 21st, 2020 12:16am
I personally think that if one can shift their mindset to focus on what they are thankful for, then that can help change their mood and fixation. However, I do know that major depressive disorder (major depression), along with other depressive disorders are very serious (but manageable with the right tools) mental illnesses and not just simply "sadness" or a fixation on it. In that case, if one has the energy to, they can reach out to a friend or a listener here with whom they can talk to about what they are experiencing. Another option is to set something up where a friend or two can reach out and check in as well.
Anonymous
July 10th, 2018 1:29pm
Listen to your favorite artis or watch videos that makes you happy it will help and if not go for a long walk and clear your mind
Heretohelp344
November 14th, 2017 10:16am
My best tip is getting out and doing things, going out with friends, going to see a film, even just going for a walk or having friends over. Just keeping busy will lead to your mind being focused on other things so you wont have time to think about all the sad things.
MelanieHopeMUA
July 10th, 2017 12:30am
The best thing to do about this is to find positive coping skills like listening to music,play video games watch your favorite TV show. Also another positive coping skill is to journal write it down in a safe book that only you have access too its good to get your feelings out.
Anonymous
January 9th, 2017 8:28am
Try to recall all the good things that happened in your life and the things that you should be thankful for. You can also write to express what you are currently going through and that could somehow give you a relief.
calmPanda51
October 18th, 2016 12:14pm
Think of all positive things and people associated with you. Think of how blessed you are to have something that others find it difficult to achieve. Go for a walk, enjoy the company of nature and admire creations of God. you will feel better
Anonymous
September 5th, 2016 9:31am
The best way to stop fixating on sadness, is at the start of the day, go in front of the mirror and tell yourself few compliments and that you are brave and you can go through this day, and motivate yourself for the day then at the end of the day, encourage yourself by listing your daily achievements, or list few good things about your day. #gratitude
optimisticHope81
August 8th, 2016 10:40am
Close your eyes, breathe in, imagine your most happiest memories, hold that thought for 5 seconds. Breathe out. As you are breathing out take a bit of that happy you with you❤️
Anonymous
August 1st, 2016 6:19am
1) Step out of the house. One needs fresh air. 2) Talk to people and let your emotions out. 3) Give yourself a chance to look at things with a different perspective. Everything happens for a reason, it can be good or bad depending on the way you see it. 4) Cry, shout, laugh, tear papers, punch your pillows.. All that helps release the pent up negative emotions. Other ways can include cooking, writing, singing, cycling, boxing. Basically, anything that can help you release/express your emotions.
Anonymous
June 13th, 2016 9:27pm
Hi ! Well to my own experience, I could tell that writing down on the paper some positive things like I will do it and go out when you feel really down, go in beautiful areas and walk can help to make you more positive.
Bree2
April 7th, 2015 4:11am
Think about what makes you happy. That might be a certain person or band. Do things that make you feel happy. Some things might be draw, sing, watch a movie, talk to friends. Just focus on anything that makes you happy :)
SassyKat0307
May 9th, 2016 11:40pm
I like to read so I try to read as much as possible, reading a good book takes my mind off of my life. Do this with something you enjoy.
nlpinspiration
March 21st, 2016 2:32pm
In this condition Im starting with reading a book, watching good film or start exercise. This will defocus your attention from sadness.
momentbymoment
February 23rd, 2016 9:17pm
Distraction. It's important to fight the kind of emotional paralysis that depression often creates and do something. Take a walk. Talk to a friend or family member. Engage a hobby. Do something to change your surroundings or circumstances. Give your brain something to do besides dwell on distressing feelings.
Anonymous
November 16th, 2015 8:20pm
Thinking back to old memories and imagining the future to be like that is a good technique to use. It will make you see the good things in life.
Anonymous
September 29th, 2015 8:37am
i definitely recommend focusing on something that you love to get you through the day. Personally i focus on my career of what i want to be one day and remind myself i still have motivation and inspiration in me to keep myself going. Keep yourself a goal so you have something to look forward to, and when you have reached that goal, give yourself another one.
sunflowerhaven13
September 15th, 2015 3:07pm
I cannot give you specific time on when depression would go away, all i know is that it is treatable. You have the power to manage it, you'll get better. Don't stop fighting, you're brave enough to take the first step to overcome it.
laurenthehelper
June 23rd, 2015 3:48am
Do what you enjoy doing most. Imagine yourself putting the bad things in a jar and sealing it up. Then think about the good things in life.
gigantIceCream37
June 5th, 2015 9:03am
a distraction. It can be talking or playing on something you can enjoy or put an emotions on it, like something app that makes you happy or groove to the music. While your mood is in depression try to solve things, a math problem is one classic example focus on the things you found easy (e.g multiplication or division and not the calculus or trigonometry or anything unless you consider yourself as a good math genius
Shaunislistening
May 5th, 2015 12:00am
Write down 3 positive things that happened to you in the previous day, week or year. Write them down as a title and give each positive event or experience atleast a five sentence explanation as if you were writing it for someone else. Use a thesaurus or whatever you need to. Be descriptive. Do this daily and you will notice that in the moment or the day when something good is happening you will have the attention to detail through this practice to truly soak it in.