Tell me, if you are feeling sad, what small things do you do to prevent depression

What ever problem comes my way I'm not defined as a person by that problem.
I remind myself that I have redeeming qualities and that I have a worth.
I learnt this through CBT and it definitely stops the need for me to go into withdrawal from life and self isolation.

Go for a walk, book something to look forward to, clean the house, take DC to the park.

I buy bath bombs, candles, crystals, themed scrapbook kits, do yoga, swimming and visit the beach

Connect with people - even if you really feel like you don't want to. Withdrawing is a downward spiral so try to meet up for a coffee or call for a chat or even just exchange some banter on WhatsApp.

Another one here to say long walks. I get up stupidly early on a Sunday to do it. Purely so that no one else is around and it feels like you've got a peaceful world to yourself for a while. And sometimes if you're early enough and it's still dark when you set out, there's a real magic in having the sun come up while you're walking. Plus you can legitimately claim a nap later.
Hope you're OK OP xx

Watch some comedy. Nothing snarky, just something comforting. James Acaster or Miranda. Even if it feels an effort eventually it does help.

Is there any exercise you've enjoyed in past? Try and get out and do it. Even if it's just for a few minutes. Same with places you like to visit. Remind yourself you managed it. And it will get easier next time.

Try and eat some fruit and veg every day. I don't know why that works but it does.

If you can't do anything else, wash your hair. Apparently that helps. I have no idea why.

Knowing it will pass.
Doing anything you need and want to get you through and learning it so you can use when it happens again.
Junk or healthy food. Relaxing or getting out there and getting some excercise .

The only thing you must not do is stay in bed and wallow. Get up, get showered and in clean clothes even if they're jammies and get a comfy station.
Bed is for rest and sleep. Get out of there do your day.

Just keep swimming. Eventually you will feel better.

If you want to be good to yourself go outside. Take a walk or just go into the garden and hang out clothes/do some weeding or just sit and listen and breath.

When im inexplicably sad, nothing will fix it in the moment. But i think having a purpose every day (for me, i got my dog at the end of my last serious bout of depression so i have to get up and out every day) and avoiding alcohol are key.

I really wish you wellx

Find something that you like to do which can get totally absorbed in. For me, it is painting and reading, but it could be anything. As soon as I start to feel low, I reach for my paints or a book and lose myself in that. Be kind to yourself, if you want to cocoon and can't cope with doing something that can be left, then don't do it. Talk to someone about how you're feeling.

I can’t go on
You must go on
I’ll go on

I’ve said it to myself so many times that it’s just … like a brain tattoo? Except I do pay attention.

Unfortunately years after I had committed it to memory I looked it up again and found out the actual quote from Samuel Beckett is: “you must go on, I can’t go on, I’ll go on.”

I made an apple crumble this afternoon. It’s quick and easy to make and distracted me from doomscrolling. I was really grateful to have crumble and custard when I came home.

A long walk in a beautiful wood. Also, a deep clean of your home makes you feel productive and in control of your life.

Make a soup or bake something. It's nice and absorbing at the time, and you'll have lovely future meals to look forward to!

If really depressed, just try to get through it as best as possible, accept my feelings and remind myself that they will pass. Go to bed early, read my book, get some sleep and start fresh the next day.

No alcohol.
Exercise in a way you can manage and a type you enjoy.
Long walk outside.
Having a pet.
Hobby time.
Music.
Looking after self like shower, pamper.
Singing.
Allow yourself to be little bit silly in private and by that I mean dance if you want to while cleaning. Today on the treadmill I did sixties type dancing (while walking not running, so I didn't end up dead) to love shack on the radio. Had a great time 😁

This is a great thread with lots of helpful advice.
I would say no alcohol, getting showered and dressed nicely, going for a walk.

I agree wholeheartedly with no booze, exercise - especially in nature - and journalling, and cheery distraction from a book, magazine or film. Or music - there's a lovely 'best of' Prom on BBC4 tonight! 🙂

And maybe get quiet and in touch with yourself and figure out if you have a need somewhere that isn't being met; and if so, what small steps you might take towards starting to change that.

And if there's a task or project hanging over you, something you know you're avoiding, again, take one tiny step towards that, something you can achieve in a short time. Just to get your momentum going again.

Finally, make sure you're getting enough sleep!

Get mega easy but healthy(ish) meals - fish pie and half a bag of salad etc. Eat it with a spoon if I have to.

Go to bed at 9.30pm.

Read. Limit time on my phone.

For breakfast, have omelette bites with microwaved spinach and ham or cheese. Just stir them together and cook in a silicone dish.

Set my timer and aim to be showered and dressed within eight minutes, then come downstairs and eat my breakfast. Buy an expensive shower gel to coax me into the shower.

Have a 20 minute walk every single morning listening to an audiobook or podcast or an upbeat playlist.

Get my nails done and wear hand cream. Take a multivitamin and know I won't always feel this rubbish.

Have a read of this from a leading brain expert

https://www.amenclinics.com/blog/try-these-9-natural-serotonin-boosters-for-happier-moods-and-less-worry/

Personally, I counter any negative thought with a positive one, so whatever the situation I can put a positive spin on it, the more you do it the more naturally it comes to you. My Mum had a thing from a newspaper years ago that said things like great the last parking space in the car park and it is the furthest away from the door, but I am grateful to know I can easily walk that distance.

Your brain will actively seek out good things if you tell yourself you will have a good day even when you don't believe it when you say it, you will be able to persuade your brain. To stay positive I watch youtube clips of bits of movies I like and listen to music. I also feed the birds every day because I enjoy watching them in the garden.

No alcohol. Make sure I shower and get dressed. Walks listening to podcasts. Sitting in garden if the sun is out, with a coat if cold!

My go to's are a long walk with the dogs. Reading a new book. Changing the bed sheets as a PP said. Vitamin D daily. Eat well - no sugar and no alcohol, neither help your mood. And sometimes just accepting that you're sad and it's ok to be like it - you can't always be happy. But don't let that cross into self pity, easier said than done.

Nature always soothes my soul, it’s very calming