itsrecoverytimebitch-blog

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[itsrecoverytimebitch-blog]

[itsrecoverytimebitch-blog]

[itsrecoverytimebitch-blog]

[itsrecoverytimebitch-blog]

Back at it again. Hope things I've said so far have been helpful. Today I'd like to cover

Hobbies

So hobbies are actually great for many things mentioned before: You'll automatically see people when you go to them, provided you go each week and it's something you do with other people. If a hobby involves exercising, this will directly ease your depression and also you'll have easier time sleeping when you go to bed that night. Having a hobby of some kind keeps you connected to life. Here are some general tips around hobbies:

Be diligent AND merciful towards yourself. Don't try to do 5 hobbies while you are feeling depressed. Pick one and try to stick with it.

If it's something you used to enjoy and you don't now, understand that it simply comes with depression. Don't beat yourself up about it, and try not to get too discouraged. The enjoyment will gradually come back, when you begin to heal.

You can quit, but I suggest if a hobby is useful to you -- even if you don't enjoy it, if you'll sleep better, and if it gives a structure to your week -- try your best to stick with it

Again, if you don't go, don't beat yourself up, but don't see it as a sign you should not go other times either.

Perhaps have a friend come with you.

Friends want to help you, but they are likely confused how. So this is a really great thing to do, as much for you as for them.

Have something regular, so that planning when and with whom and whether you need to ask someone is not on your plate with everything else.

Anime and video games can be great, but try to make this one hobby something that isn't those things.

About anime and video games

These are great when you need to take your mind off things for a while. I used to play Dark Souls for my depression, and it used to be the only thing to not have me in a dark downward spiral 24/7. So utilise these, but don't let them be the only thing you do. They are kind of like painkillers. They numb the pain, but the source of it is still there.

Hobbies that work wonders for depression

I'm going to list out some that have worked for me. I'll provide explanation where needed.

Exercise related hobbies

Jogging/walking/exploring out in nature, with or without friends

Climbing. This can be both good and bad. Good, because you need to focus fully on the moment in order to climb. Bad, because if your depression is bad enough, it's impossible to focus fully on the moment and thus, climb.

Boxing. If you're anything like me and your depression comes with some rage (or is born out of rage, that you've turned towards yourself) this can be very healing.

Yoga

Gym

Artsy/crafty hobbies

Painting. With watercolours, acryls, doesn't matter. This can help get emotions out that you can't find words for.

Writing. This can equally help you vent things out. Or get lost in fantasy worlds.

Knitting. It's very relaxing to give your hands something to do.

Gardening.

Brainy hobbies

Reading/audiobooks. This can help you get lost in fantasy worlds.

Coding. You'd think it's not very good for depression, but as long as you're not up all night writing code (which, to be honest, I was when I first learnt it), it can be very satisfying problem solving

Other just as valid ones

Playing skibbo or uno with friends.

Making tea or coffee in very elaborate way.

Cooking elaborate dishes or baking.

Hope that will get you started! I'd love to know if any of this is of any help. I'll be sure to follow this post up in the future. Stay strong everyone <3

Ridiculously long post of depression tips

In the words from some of my favorite books, people and games:

"Road to recovery is a long one, but you will make it." - Volition from Disco Elysium

"Be selfish. Be brave." - Babel

"You can and you will make it." - Someone I know

This will be a ridiculously long post as I'm trying to put everything I know/have learnt over the years on it, so might break it into parts if need be. I'm not a doctor, but fellow survivor and this is what I've found useful. Take what you need from the post. WE GOT THIS!

Basic self care

Crucial. Important. In some cases, life or death.

I will include the obvious tips and some random specific ones.

Sleep

It literally heals your mind when got right. Some things to make it happen:

Go to bed and wake up at the same time. Even if insomnia keeps you awake, stay consistent with the bed times.

Give yourself ridiculous amount of time for the rest. When I'm bad and in recovery, I start prepping for sleep at 8pm. People will not mind, they might be a bit surprised at first, but it's not really their business.

Be firm with yourself about technology before bed. I strive for putting my mobile off for the night, and only look at it AFTER I've had my morning coffee.

Really long walk and some kind of sleepy tea of your choice is an EXCELLENT combo for good rest.

Sleep is also tied to other basic self care, so you need to be doing all of it - but good news, more you do the easier it gets because you get better.

If you fuck up any of these points - say, stay until 3pm on your phone looking at memes - don't beat yourself up (even if that's the natural thing you'll want to do when you're suffering from depression), but don't give in either, thinking that letting yourself KEEP doing this is self care and being merciful on yourself. No. If you fuck up, it is okay and human, but KEEP AT IT. Think of all the process you've made so far despite the fuck up. Keep going. Don't let yourself get discouraged by one or few fuck ups, but make it a top priority to get back on track. You will make it. You deserve a good life and sleep will definitely help.

Food

Making food while depressed is exhausting. You need to choose the ingredients, buy them, then make the food. And your depression might tell you lies, such as what's the point and I don't deserve to eat well. But they are lies! You do deserve it. It is important to do this right to not get into financial ruin, and keep a healthy diet. This is tricky, but you can get there. Some tips:

When you're doing a little better, prepare a LOT of food, and then freeze a lot of it. Little gift for the future self who is struggling.

Keep a lot of easy good snacks around. Include fruit. Eat when hungry.

Speaking of fruit, have some at the house and eat often.

Include protein in your food. However, if you really are struggling and there's nothing but pasta in the house and you're starving, eat the damn pasta.

Accumulate a lot of simple recipes you can make quickly. Tomato pasta with some protein is a good one, especially with some Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Making food can be helpful for depression, although when the worst is on it's very hard. But if you're a little better, it can even be therapeutic to focus on it. Try making something that takes a while, like pizza.

When you're getting even more better ('cause you will!) offering food to others is good for mental health for secret reasons. But if the thought exhausts you as you read this don't worry about this for now.

If you excercise, horde some protein snacks you can eat immediately.

Congratulate yourself for keeping up with this, and every time you've gone through the day with a good healthy diet. It is not easy.

Similarly to sleep, if you stray off course, know this is natural, change is hard, don't beat yourself up, but get back on track. I believe in you.

Exercise

Did someone say "extra fries"? Boomer minion memes aside, this is another really really good thing to do. Get this: You can literally force your body to create endorphins, even when you're mind is in the mud. It also helps with both appetite and sleep, and self-esteem. It also can help you find an outlet, and it helps focus yourself on the present. And it is such a concrete way of fighting an illness which feels so not-concrete. Some tips:

Make plans with people or find a workout buddy. The peer pressure is an excellent way to motivate yourself even if your mind makes bullshit excuses. It may feel intimidating to ask someone but I promise a lot of people want to get into working out but find it hard to motivate themselves too, so you really are also helping them at the same time too. Societies or groups are also good, as long as you go each time.

Think of working out as a fight against your depression. Because it is. Think of your depression being this big Dark Souls boss fight. (gif below for anyone not familiar.) You are struggling, but you are fighting against it, and you're a survivor, and you're badass af for keeping on fighting.

BTW above gif: that's you drinking some estus flask (water) before you tackle again the task of fighting your depression by working out because that is how badass you are.

Do the workout, no matter what your mind tells you.

The kind of workout that raises heart rate is really good.

Long walks are also REALLY good. I don't know what it is about them, but they are magical. You might find cats on the street or cool birds too.

Yoga is also good. The YouTube channel Yoga by Adriene is very good, she's so gentle.

Remember that after any kind of work out congratulate yourself and remember you are a fighter and you've just taken even more steps to battle against this thing, it's not easy and you've done it and you should be beyond proud.

That's it for this post but I will reblog this with more tips in the future so stay tuned folks. I will cover at least things like people, hobbies, therapy, values and goals and staying organized, but I'll add more if I think more.

I've struggled with this for a long time but I can and will make it towards being better and so will you.

[itsrecoverytimebitch-blog]

Please stop attacking the past versions of you. They were doing their best at the time and they got you here. It’s amazing how much progress you’ve made and how much you’ve grown but please don’t think your past self lacked worth in any way.

[itsrecoverytimebitch-blog]

One day, you'll be singing your favourite songs at the top your lungs as you swing around your house to its beat. One day you'll look back at the battle you are fighting today and think about how you overcame them all. One day you'll be at peace with yourself. Please hang on until you see that day.

[itsrecoverytimebitch-blog]

Things i do daily to ease my depression

These work for me, they may or may not work for you.

I still have really bad days, these are not a cure. But I've found doing these things helps with bad days not coming AS often.

Yoga, around 20 minutes usually

Going outside

Exercise. The type ranges from a long walk to a jog to climbing/gym type of thing.

Talking to someone. When I don't have anything scheduled, this means chatting with my flatmate

Equally, enough time alone. Being social can be exhausting and overwhelming ESP when depressed and it's important to know yourself.

Shower

2 strong cups of coffee in the morning. I make it using French press, so it's almost like a calming ritual!

When something that's needing doing pops into mind, i'll add it to an "open issue" list (or alternatively, "main quests" or "side quests" list) so i won't forget it and will solve it later

There's more but can't think currently, i'd love to find out though please share what you do daily to help ease your depression? (Or similar)

[itsrecoverytimebitch-blog]

Listen. You didn't go to sleep one day thinking you're the most awesome person on this earth and wake up the next thinking you're the most terrible one. No, it was an accumulation of a thousand little things.

Starting to hate yourself took time.

Starting to love yourself will take time too.

Let's begin by tolerance first, okay?

[itsrecoverytimebitch-blog]

You have options. I promise you, you have options. Even if you blow up your whole life, change your name and train hop half way across the country- you still have options. So long as you are alive you have choices and chances. If you can’t see them, ask someone else. Ask a stranger or someone who loves you. Anyone not in your situation will have different a perspective. Stay safe and stay alive.

[itsrecoverytimebitch-blog]

[itsrecoverytimebitch-blog]

I feel like wanting things has been important to being happier for me

[itsrecoverytimebitch-blog]

Okay it has been a while but I'm back at it to talk about...

People

Okay, so the problem of depression is that things that heal you are the things that your mind tries to bullshit you out of the most when you are depressed, and one of the things this seems to be most poignant in is other people.

Having healthy and supportive relationships with people who will love you even when you're struggling so much you're hardly even yourself is so crucial for healing from depression, yet maintaining a healthy relationship or even communicating about your struggles is so hard.

So here's what I've learnt about this area so far - I'll go through different relationships to people.

Close friends / family (if you're close to your family)

If you are lucky enough to have positive relationships with either some close friends, or you're close with some family members, then this will be one of your biggest secret weapons in the fight against your depression. Different people will have different viewpoints on your depression, and different ways of trying to help you and some ways will help more than others. Not all well-meaning close ones will really understand your depression, but when love and compassion are there, the ignorance can be fixed.

Some tips:

Please, please tell a close person about your struggles, if you haven't already. Depression thrives in hiding, and chances are that your close ones already can tell something is up, and will feel relieved when you tell them - not relieved that you're struggling, but relieved they know what's up and if there are ways to help.

That being said, it is important to strike a balance between talking about your issues, and not overburdening a person with your issues. I know it's so difficult with the dark cloud of depression hanging over you and demanding your attention, but try to remember to take interest in the people in your life every once in a while.

Try to stay communicative.

You absolutely can confront your irrational thoughts by naming them and asking if they are true. (I have a deep feeling you hate me secretly, is it true?) Protip 100% of the time they are not true. I wouldn't do this too often thought, but it can be powerful when done right.

Accept help and support. Yeah, I know, it will feel as if you don't deserve it. But that's your depression lying to you. You do deserve it, and your loved ones deserve a chance to help you.

Have some kind of emergency plan with someone if it ever gets really bad - like, just hanging around them until the worst passes and so on.

Seriously, you're not burdening people by wanting to talk about your struggles.

If however someone seems tired of hearing about your struggles, it's not because you're a garbage human being who's nothing but burden to others. It's because depression is tiring. You are so tired of it, too, aren't you? That other person is feeling the same tiredness from it. But you have much more of a chance at fighting it when you're bringing co-op.

Be open to people setting boundaries around you, and understand this does not have to do with your value as a person. Encourage people to set boundaries if needed.

Try to remember how grateful you are for your loved ones, and think about them to get through the worst moments.

Remember that they love you, no matter what your mind says.

More casual aquaintances / social activity

Now the social activity is tricky, because you don't want to exhaust yourself (when depressed, if you're anything like me, you constantly think others are thinking ill of you, so being around people can be paralysing, triggering and exhausting) but you really don't want to isolate yourself either.

Some tips:

Try to have one social thing in a week that you consistently go to. This could be a hobby, or book club, or DnD, or anything really. The secret is that you go each week.

Learn to say no in a nice way. Like, "Thank you for inviting me, I can't make it this time sadly thought!" Use the word when you need to. If this is someone you want to see, but you just don't have the energy right now, you can even explain you're feeling a little off it, but would like to meet up later.

If certain people are constantly making you feel even more down, it is maybe time to distance yourself a little. It doesn't need to be burning the bridges. It is enough to simply step away and give your attention to other things.

Learn to set boundaries - this again is quite hard when you're depressed and have beliefs of a depressed person. But it helps lighten the load of your socialising.

Try to have some things to talk about other than your illness. Like books, TV shows, and so forth.

When you're agonizing over how a social event went - let's say for example that a friend was snappy with you - try to process it the following way: First consider other ways to interpret the situation (perhaps the friend doesn't hate you but was simply tired and wrapped up in her own worries). Then, consider what is the worst-case scenario (the friend absolutely hates your guts). This might seem counter-intuitive, but it takes the power from your catasrophising mind. Then, consider if this will matter in 5 weeks, 5 months, 5 years. Then, think what is the best thing you can do now (just move on, but if the friend remains snappy, gently confront them about it).

It's totally okay to bring a book and then just read that in social context (or similar, like doodle etc), if talking feels overwhelming. It's a good idea to let people know you just like to be around people like this. That way they won't think that you don't want to talk to them or find them boring etc.

Again, try your best to be interested in other people. This will pull you out of depression even if just a little.

Understand that a lot of things you think of other people - or more importantly, you think that other people think of you - are complete bs created by your depression. Stay strong.

Ridiculously long post of depression tips

In the words from some of my favorite books, people and games:

"Road to recovery is a long one, but you will make it." - Volition from Disco Elysium

"Be selfish. Be brave." - Babel

"You can and you will make it." - Someone I know

This will be a ridiculously long post as I'm trying to put everything I know/have learnt over the years on it, so might break it into parts if need be. I'm not a doctor, but fellow survivor and this is what I've found useful. Take what you need from the post. WE GOT THIS!

Basic self care

Crucial. Important. In some cases, life or death.

I will include the obvious tips and some random specific ones.

Sleep

It literally heals your mind when got right. Some things to make it happen:

Go to bed and wake up at the same time. Even if insomnia keeps you awake, stay consistent with the bed times.

Give yourself ridiculous amount of time for the rest. When I'm bad and in recovery, I start prepping for sleep at 8pm. People will not mind, they might be a bit surprised at first, but it's not really their business.

Be firm with yourself about technology before bed. I strive for putting my mobile off for the night, and only look at it AFTER I've had my morning coffee.

Really long walk and some kind of sleepy tea of your choice is an EXCELLENT combo for good rest.

Sleep is also tied to other basic self care, so you need to be doing all of it - but good news, more you do the easier it gets because you get better.

If you fuck up any of these points - say, stay until 3pm on your phone looking at memes - don't beat yourself up (even if that's the natural thing you'll want to do when you're suffering from depression), but don't give in either, thinking that letting yourself KEEP doing this is self care and being merciful on yourself. No. If you fuck up, it is okay and human, but KEEP AT IT. Think of all the process you've made so far despite the fuck up. Keep going. Don't let yourself get discouraged by one or few fuck ups, but make it a top priority to get back on track. You will make it. You deserve a good life and sleep will definitely help.

Food

Making food while depressed is exhausting. You need to choose the ingredients, buy them, then make the food. And your depression might tell you lies, such as what's the point and I don't deserve to eat well. But they are lies! You do deserve it. It is important to do this right to not get into financial ruin, and keep a healthy diet. This is tricky, but you can get there. Some tips:

When you're doing a little better, prepare a LOT of food, and then freeze a lot of it. Little gift for the future self who is struggling.

Keep a lot of easy good snacks around. Include fruit. Eat when hungry.

Speaking of fruit, have some at the house and eat often.

Include protein in your food. However, if you really are struggling and there's nothing but pasta in the house and you're starving, eat the damn pasta.

Accumulate a lot of simple recipes you can make quickly. Tomato pasta with some protein is a good one, especially with some Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Making food can be helpful for depression, although when the worst is on it's very hard. But if you're a little better, it can even be therapeutic to focus on it. Try making something that takes a while, like pizza.

When you're getting even more better ('cause you will!) offering food to others is good for mental health for secret reasons. But if the thought exhausts you as you read this don't worry about this for now.

If you excercise, horde some protein snacks you can eat immediately.

Congratulate yourself for keeping up with this, and every time you've gone through the day with a good healthy diet. It is not easy.

Similarly to sleep, if you stray off course, know this is natural, change is hard, don't beat yourself up, but get back on track. I believe in you.

Exercise

Did someone say "extra fries"? Boomer minion memes aside, this is another really really good thing to do. Get this: You can literally force your body to create endorphins, even when you're mind is in the mud. It also helps with both appetite and sleep, and self-esteem. It also can help you find an outlet, and it helps focus yourself on the present. And it is such a concrete way of fighting an illness which feels so not-concrete. Some tips:

Make plans with people or find a workout buddy. The peer pressure is an excellent way to motivate yourself even if your mind makes bullshit excuses. It may feel intimidating to ask someone but I promise a lot of people want to get into working out but find it hard to motivate themselves too, so you really are also helping them at the same time too. Societies or groups are also good, as long as you go each time.

Think of working out as a fight against your depression. Because it is. Think of your depression being this big Dark Souls boss fight. (gif below for anyone not familiar.) You are struggling, but you are fighting against it, and you're a survivor, and you're badass af for keeping on fighting.

BTW above gif: that's you drinking some estus flask (water) before you tackle again the task of fighting your depression by working out because that is how badass you are.

Do the workout, no matter what your mind tells you.

The kind of workout that raises heart rate is really good.

Long walks are also REALLY good. I don't know what it is about them, but they are magical. You might find cats on the street or cool birds too.

Yoga is also good. The YouTube channel Yoga by Adriene is very good, she's so gentle.

Remember that after any kind of work out congratulate yourself and remember you are a fighter and you've just taken even more steps to battle against this thing, it's not easy and you've done it and you should be beyond proud.

That's it for this post but I will reblog this with more tips in the future so stay tuned folks. I will cover at least things like people, hobbies, therapy, values and goals and staying organized, but I'll add more if I think more.

I've struggled with this for a long time but I can and will make it towards being better and so will you.

[itsrecoverytimebitch-blog]

weirdly specific things that have helped with clinical depression

Dark Souls

Ridiculously long walks

Asking a friend "Do you secretly hate me?" to confront intrusive thoughts, friend spent half a minute laughing before going "wait seriously?", 10/10 intrusive thought won

Visualization meditation but there's plot points and stuff happening. Also talking about stuff that is happening irl to the people in the world

Visualization meditation but I'm just going through the first dark souls game

Going outside because you can find cats and stuff

[itsrecoverytimebitch-blog]

[itsrecoverytimebitch-blog]

what is your eye color. what is your favorite color. what is the color that appears most frequently in your wardrobe. what color is your favorite blanket. what color is your water bottle.

[itsrecoverytimebitch-blog]

Ridiculously long post of depression tips

In the words from some of my favorite books, people and games:

"Road to recovery is a long one, but you will make it." - Volition from Disco Elysium

"Be selfish. Be brave." - Babel

"You can and you will make it." - Someone I know

This will be a ridiculously long post as I'm trying to put everything I know/have learnt over the years on it, so might break it into parts if need be. I'm not a doctor, but fellow survivor and this is what I've found useful. Take what you need from the post. WE GOT THIS!

Basic self care

Crucial. Important. In some cases, life or death.

I will include the obvious tips and some random specific ones.

Sleep

It literally heals your mind when got right. Some things to make it happen:

Go to bed and wake up at the same time. Even if insomnia keeps you awake, stay consistent with the bed times.

Give yourself ridiculous amount of time for the rest. When I'm bad and in recovery, I start prepping for sleep at 8pm. People will not mind, they might be a bit surprised at first, but it's not really their business.

Be firm with yourself about technology before bed. I strive for putting my mobile off for the night, and only look at it AFTER I've had my morning coffee.

Really long walk and some kind of sleepy tea of your choice is an EXCELLENT combo for good rest.

Sleep is also tied to other basic self care, so you need to be doing all of it - but good news, more you do the easier it gets because you get better.

If you fuck up any of these points - say, stay until 3pm on your phone looking at memes - don't beat yourself up (even if that's the natural thing you'll want to do when you're suffering from depression), but don't give in either, thinking that letting yourself KEEP doing this is self care and being merciful on yourself. No. If you fuck up, it is okay and human, but KEEP AT IT. Think of all the process you've made so far despite the fuck up. Keep going. Don't let yourself get discouraged by one or few fuck ups, but make it a top priority to get back on track. You will make it. You deserve a good life and sleep will definitely help.

Food

Making food while depressed is exhausting. You need to choose the ingredients, buy them, then make the food. And your depression might tell you lies, such as what's the point and I don't deserve to eat well. But they are lies! You do deserve it. It is important to do this right to not get into financial ruin, and keep a healthy diet. This is tricky, but you can get there. Some tips:

When you're doing a little better, prepare a LOT of food, and then freeze a lot of it. Little gift for the future self who is struggling.

Keep a lot of easy good snacks around. Include fruit. Eat when hungry.

Speaking of fruit, have some at the house and eat often.

Include protein in your food. However, if you really are struggling and there's nothing but pasta in the house and you're starving, eat the damn pasta.

Accumulate a lot of simple recipes you can make quickly. Tomato pasta with some protein is a good one, especially with some Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Making food can be helpful for depression, although when the worst is on it's very hard. But if you're a little better, it can even be therapeutic to focus on it. Try making something that takes a while, like pizza.

When you're getting even more better ('cause you will!) offering food to others is good for mental health for secret reasons. But if the thought exhausts you as you read this don't worry about this for now.

If you excercise, horde some protein snacks you can eat immediately.

Congratulate yourself for keeping up with this, and every time you've gone through the day with a good healthy diet. It is not easy.

Similarly to sleep, if you stray off course, know this is natural, change is hard, don't beat yourself up, but get back on track. I believe in you.

Exercise

Did someone say "extra fries"? Boomer minion memes aside, this is another really really good thing to do. Get this: You can literally force your body to create endorphins, even when you're mind is in the mud. It also helps with both appetite and sleep, and self-esteem. It also can help you find an outlet, and it helps focus yourself on the present. And it is such a concrete way of fighting an illness which feels so not-concrete. Some tips:

Make plans with people or find a workout buddy. The peer pressure is an excellent way to motivate yourself even if your mind makes bullshit excuses. It may feel intimidating to ask someone but I promise a lot of people want to get into working out but find it hard to motivate themselves too, so you really are also helping them at the same time too. Societies or groups are also good, as long as you go each time.

Think of working out as a fight against your depression. Because it is. Think of your depression being this big Dark Souls boss fight. (gif below for anyone not familiar.) You are struggling, but you are fighting against it, and you're a survivor, and you're badass af for keeping on fighting.

BTW above gif: that's you drinking some estus flask (water) before you tackle again the task of fighting your depression by working out because that is how badass you are.

Do the workout, no matter what your mind tells you.

The kind of workout that raises heart rate is really good.

Long walks are also REALLY good. I don't know what it is about them, but they are magical. You might find cats on the street or cool birds too.

Yoga is also good. The YouTube channel Yoga by Adriene is very good, she's so gentle.

Remember that after any kind of work out congratulate yourself and remember you are a fighter and you've just taken even more steps to battle against this thing, it's not easy and you've done it and you should be beyond proud.

That's it for this post but I will reblog this with more tips in the future so stay tuned folks. I will cover at least things like people, hobbies, therapy, values and goals and staying organized, but I'll add more if I think more.

I've struggled with this for a long time but I can and will make it towards being better and so will you.