How to live with depression

[Bakingberry]

Just looking for some practical ways I can manage depression. Things have got on top of me over the last few months and I'm struggling to keep things together.

Hi,
I am trying to manage my depression too and opened a thread a couple of weeks ago on which I had some very good suggestions so it might be worth looking at that.
I am currently off work as I really did hit rock bottom and I am now two weeks in to taking antidepressants. What about you?

I went to my doctor about this a while back but they just asked me to check what services my employer can provide. I was pretty disappointed. I was on medication when I was in my 20s but I’ve moved to a new area so can’t get to that GP.

I’ll have a look for the other thread you started. Hope the support you are receiving is helping you manage things.

Sorry things are hard, OP. I find fresh air and daylight outside is really helpful - whether that's going for a walk or sitting outside with a coffee. Some people swear by exercise. I think it's also important to keep pushing yourself to do things, especially if you feel you'd rather curl up and hide- I've noticed that when I am sliding, the less I do, the less I can do. Though it's hard when you feel like shit. And try letting friends or family know how you're feeling if you think they'd be generally supportive of you - it's easy to isolate yourself, and again, I find the less interaction I have with others, the less I want or feel able to cope with. to you

Thank you Hefz. I recognise a lot of what you say. I think I just need to take small steps to keep myself going, but not take on too much that I feel overwhelmed. I find the less I do the less I feel able to do. I hope you are managing to keep on going through the hard times

Baking sending out some your way: I completely agree with you - it's tricky, though, isn't it, trying to negotiate that very delicate balance between doing something and then getting completely overwhelmed. I have stopped trying to plan things like meeting people in town, because I'm turning into a flake, but trying to still go out. One very kind person I feel comfortable asking to meet me for coffee at the supermarket, so I make myself do that every week, as I know otherwise, I will swiftly slip into no contact and it will go on for months otherwise. But step by step, Baking, and better days will come - you're being really proactive posting here, so hopefully, you'll be able to dig your heels in now until you're in a place to climb back up. and

I'm glad you are still seeing your friend for coffee Hefzi. I've lost contact with a few good people over the years because I've found keeping in touch too overwhelming. I'm in a better place now and have a small group of good people in my life. I'm still just taking things at a pace that I'm comfortable with and that's worked for me this week

Are there no other gp surgeries you can change to.