Tips for Battling Depression
Make a fun list...
- View and print an example of a Fun List by clicking here.
- Grab a sheet of paper and write down ALL the activities you used to enjoy, even if they don’t seem fun right now.
- Pick one activity –just one—that you will commit to doing at least once or twice in the next week.
- Set a specific date and time so that you know it will fit in your schedule and post it on a sticky note somewhere where you can see it.
- When you complete the activity, be sure to notice how you feel before and afterward.
Talk to someone...
- You don’t have to do this alone! Friends, parents, and other adults can be good listeners and can help you to get back on your feet.
- A doctor or therapist may be a good option as well. They can tell you about treatment options and provide explanations for what you’re feeling.
- When you’re depressed, finding solutions to problems can be difficult. Others might have advice or ideas that you haven’t thought of before.
- Go to the My Support section of this site to get helpful information on how to do this if you’re unsure where to start.
Shed a positive light...
- Become aware of your negative thoughts! These thoughts build on each other and can be a leading cause of depression.
- When you have a negative thought, challenge it. Your beliefs about yourself, the world, and the future may not be as accurate as you assumed.
- Once you have challenged your negative thoughts, try to find more accurate, positive, ideas to replace them with.
- Check out the My Thoughts section of this site for more ideas and examples.
