What are healthy coping strategies for depression and stress, and what makes them healthy?
How do mentally healthy people normally cope with stress and depression. And, what are the criteria needed for a coping mechanism to be psychologically “healthy”?
As for background on myself, I am undiagnosed with depression but I do think I have it because I get “depressed” alot. I need to learn to cope with my problems which I attribute to my current emotional state, yet they need to be healthy so I don’t provoke worsening conditions of my mental health.
Coping with depression and stress are two things I need to have a handle on in order to accomplish my life goals. Motivation (which might be tied in with the prior two) and self-discipline (forcing myself to do things I don’t feel like doing) are two more, but I’ll deal with those separately.
For strategies that others don’t list here, I would like to know how I can identify a healthy strategy and to be able to contrast that with unhealthy ones – even if they “sound” convincing.
Valid answers are appreciated. 
“Go outside”??? Go, how? Outside of what?
That’s a vague answer, doesn’t specify anything. And, the big question in my mind is “and, do what?” What am I supposed to do when I go outside? Sit there and think “Hmm… here I am, outside with **** to do…”
If it’s exposure to sunlight you’re talking about, I could try to find a quiet place outdoors and bring my laptop and textbooks and notes and papers and study and do my homework there. I need to get in eight hours of study-time per day which is nearly impossible since I have ADHD-I I try not to count the time I spend daydreaming or ruminating about being a loser I really have to spend about half a day trying to study so I can get a third of real study time in.
Also, I’m going to note that with me in particular, if I’m not sad when thinking about my problems I do get enraged thinking about them. I attribute my problems to my enemies. It’s normal, considering what I went through. But, it’s okay, I shouldn’t allow myself to be victimized like that.
Speaking also, only helps with certain people. Most people are hostile to me when I talk about my problems, which is one reason why I try not to address them anymore. It not only pisses me off since I am not getting anything accomplished, but it makes other people (even family) try to avoid me altogether.
As a result, I end up losing family and friends and developing a hatred for shrinks. Neither of which produce “healthy” results.
But, I know this works for some people. It’s just I have higher faith in CBT, something I have yet to experience first-hand however.
But, even that is only applicable to some people. What’s generaly good?
Filed under: Stress
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GO OUTSIDE
Do something you’re afraid to do, just once a day
And GO OUTSIDE!
Definitely exercise. Studies have shown that exercise helps depression amazingly. Also, talk…talking to people can help you alleviate that stress and things on your mind. The more you talk and exercise the more motivated you’re going to be, so you’re going to kill a bunch of birds with one stone.
There is medication for these problems you have listed but i highly do not reccomend it. I struggled with this problem as a teenager. The thing I wanted most when I had the depression problem was someone to talk to that understood and would listen to what I was saying. This really helps a lot. Also this is why psycologists exist! If you are like the rest of us humans you cannot afford the high fees of a psyc though. Having a good friend, one that you know will listen will be most helpful to you. For stress, I still have this problem. I have found that listening to music does not help, you have to find something to take your mind off of what is bothering you even if it is just a short period of time. I would recomend going outside like the last answer you had was. I find that the fresh air is relaxing, and allows you to think more clearly. If you find either of these helpful or you cannot find a “free psycologist” please let me know and I will be glad to help.
I don’t have a mental illness, or at least to my knowledge, but everyone goes through depression whether they want to admit it or not. Some people just have it worst than others. When I am kinda down about something, or I have a lot of things on my mind, I like to just listen to music as I walk outside. I think it is very relaxing and your by yourself so you can think about whatever you want, that time is all to yourself.
I also know that if you write down your feelings or thoughts and opinions about something then rip them up it is suppose to help whatever it is that your depressed about. I have friends and close family members who suffer from depression, they have highs and lows.
As far as healthy and unhealthy ways to deal with stress. Don’t cut yourself or try to kill yourself, SO UNHEALTHY…. As far as healthy goes, the things I mentioned in the first two paragraphs are good….running, any physical exercise is good for mind and body…going out with friends for a weekend..just don’t try to cover your problems with alcohol, drugs, etc….
First of all, clinical depression is an illness. Everyone gets occasionally depressed or feel down, but if you have difficulty focusing, physical pain, difficulty sleeping, you lose interest in things that you previously loved, anxiety and panic attacks etc…, then just trying to stay self motivated, goal oriented etc… won’t work, but only put additional pressure on yourself that it’s your weak mental state that is not allowing you to cope normally. In my early 20’s I was focused, was successful in business, went to tons of motivation seminars, then suddenly I began suffering from anxiety and depression, and I believed that I could fix it on my own because I had all the skills and new all of the techniques to get myself better. I became suicidal, and kept searching for new careers, interests, but nothing satisfied me and I would become more and more depressed, not wanting to get out of bed. This was not at all who I once was. Going to the doctors, they almost couldn’t believe that I could be depressed because I covered it well in front of people, even those that I knew I could get help from. I was finally diagnosed and given Paxil, which initially helped me get back on track, but I remained on it for 9 years, which almost killed me. Initially, I think I needed it, but I think my mental state was getting more balanced again, but the doctors never really monitored my use. That it eventually began to make me suicidal, dependent and loose track of who I really was before depression and before taking Paxil. Paxil is very dangerous, especially if not monitored by a doctor. There is a tendency to continue to refill prescriptions. Also, it is very addictive and extremely difficult to wean yourself from it, so be careful. Sorry to ramble, but I understand how awful depression can be. Many people who do not truly acknowledge that it’s an illness will tell you to just feel happy, think happy thoughts, exercise, change your eating etc…Try St. John’s Wort (spelling, unsure), as an alternative to prescribed medication. Also, when I was weaning myself from Paxil, I drank Xango(mangostene juice). Go to your doctor and discuss. There is a written test that can be taken.