I disagree with the "snap out of it" comment listed below. Depression is a serious illness, many many people suffer from it.
Talk to someone, a friend, colleague, family member or even pick up the telephone there are helpline numbers for depression.
Exercise will help to lift your mood, eat well, sleep. If your symptoms persist DO contact your doctor. He/she can put you in touch with a counsellor or prescribe medication to help with the symptoms of depression. Most of all, know that you are not alone.
i always try doing somethnig i really enjoy, like picking up my favourite book and taking some time out from everything and reading in a corner.
Retail therapy works of course, but it can be pricy and once your home the bills start piling and your regretful nd have to return some things.
Over the years I have put together a scrap book of cartoons (which appear in the papers etc) which have made me really, really laugh. My friend will also send funny cards when she writes. I call my scrap book 'My Cheer Me Up Book' and anything goes in, including pictures of the pin up film stars etc. When I'm down in the dumps, looking through this book does cheer me up and it was cheap to put together. Watching a good, funny film helps, as do friends and having a warped sense of humour!
Treat yourself into health club for facial, massage, pedicure, manicure etc. This will give you a time to think over what is making you feel low. If you don't have all day, try to have hot bath with candles. It will help you sleep better and when you sleep better, you will feel a lot better.
Take a calming bubble bath, treat yourself to a mani/pedi at home, and read a good book. You'll get so sleepy with the bath and reading that you'll fall right asleep. And the book will have you falling asleep not thinking about your problems!
A manicure ALWAYS makes me feel a bit better--especially getting it done in a bold, "power" color (ie: Red, bright pink, etc.). I feel more happy every time I look at my nails, and it also empowers me to remember that I CAN get through this rough time and is a visual reminder there are "brighter" times ahead!!
Also, call someone. Remind yourself there are people in your life who love you and that you are a lucky girl for that! Try your best to count your blessings!
Put on one of your favourite albums (has to be lively and up beat!) and lock yourself in your bedroom. Shut the curtains and dance and sing to your hearts content!! Believe me IT WORKS!!
Notice the signs and when mood starts to drop, see it as an amber light and start to practice 'extreme self care'. BEFORE you fall all the way to the bottom of the mood pile, do something nice for yourself. Pretend you're a visitor to your neighbourhood. Take yourself out for coffee and cake. Pay someone else to make your lunch. Read a paper. Window shop. Try out perfumes and lip glosses with no intention to purchase. It feels naughty but nice.
Check-in to a hotel with your girl friends who can cry with you, can give sensible advices and can tell you how stupid you are if you really are that. The hotel doesn't have to be expensive. Just make sure you get a room with a clean tub that you can soak yourself in. So don't forget to bring your favorite super bubbly bath bombs with you. And the sheets has to be soft and comfortable too. It's all about being in a place that you feel comfy enough to let all your emotions out. And it should also be a place that you can pamper yourself in after all the crying and screaming. A nice cup of chamomile tea in a comfy bed would be nice after having a flute of champagne in the warm tub. Most hotels now offer spa services too. So take advantage of that.
Make yourself feel great by spending some time on yourself. I used to suffer from depression and found that if I looked good or made an effort and made my hair look good and put some make up on, I felt better. Wear bright colours as well. This will lift your mood. Think carefully about who you spend your time with; they may be bringing you down. Make friends elsewhere, there are lots of people out there.
Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain or a lack of serotonin. Doing crosswords in the morning has proven to stimulate serotonin therefore helping combat depression. Also, try to be positive and talk to your friends that's what they are for.
Do something good for someone else. Volunteer, people who do public service or give to charity get the do gooders high.
In a pinch send off a note or e-mail a thinking of you to a loney or sick neighbor or relative.
Feeling low is our body's way of telling us to wait until re-energised before taking action so, it's best to do nothing well, nothing that will drain us further! Our mind might be sub-consciously working through a problem, therefore, 'doing' will only prove to be a distraction.
However, if you're like me, I can't just do nothing. When I feel low I do things that need no thought, but at the same time re-energise. For example, chores, gardening, meditation, a long soak in the bath or walking.
Get yourself busy!
Take up an evening class, retake your A levels or even get a degree! Doing these things will keep your mind busy.
If you dont want to go down the intellectual route take up a new hobby such as salsa dancing, join a gym or start a side line business (such as card making).
If you are depressed about food/eating. Plan out what you are going to eat, the day before.
Hope I have helped
xx
Retail therapy always works for me!! Spend a day shopping, buy yourself a new outfit, get your friends together and go out wearing your new outfit, make a real effort, get your hair and nails done make sure you look fab!! Go through your old photo albums as well you'll probably be laughing so much at the old pics that it will cheer you up a bit. Go out and do something you love doing, something as simple as going swimming or go to a theme park, whatever takes your fancy!!
Depression is a hard thing to beat, but here are some non-prescription helps:
Go to the tanning salon. Great for depression, but bad for your skin. The rays release endorphines and make you feel great. It's nice and relaxing.
Exercise. It also releases endorphines.
Drink Milk for the Vitamin D. A decificiency in vitamin D can worsen depression.
I find the colour yellow instantly lifts my mood. Good in spring when you can buy daffodils in big bunches but any yellow flowers are cheering.
And put on a yellow T shirt... paint a yellow picture and hang it on the wall in the bedroom so you can see it when you wake.
Pictures of suns are good too. Good luck.