What do you do when you need cheering up?

[reindeersnake]

Hi! I was talking to my sister yesterday. She has just realised that she is suffering from depression, but refuses to countenance medication. She lives alone, does various irregular jobs and lives in a scary area. She asked me what one could do to feel a bit happier.

I told her that when I feel miserable, the things I find that help are:
chickens
bulbs coming up for spring
feeding the birds
reading (the right books, not easy!)

Then I thought of all the wealth of experience, knowledge and empathy represented by mumsnetters and thought I'd ask for your ideas. Anyone got any favourite ideas to share?

(Am off now to see if I can find a site which will deliver a bowl of daffodils to her house.)

the tried and tested things to help beat depression all sound small but....: regular excersise (walking and swimming are great),
Plenty of rest
Eating regularly and wholesomely
Talking!

Helping others if she is feeling up to it - look into volunteering

Being kind to herself

Making a small but manageable list of things to achieve each day and acheieiving them: ie: getting up, having a shower, doing the dishes etc

Counting your blessings (quite literally) has been shown to work. eg things you have acheieved in your life or even day to day, things you have done which you feel proud of.

Regular exercise really helps a lot, a mix of walking swimming yoga is good.

Keeping to a routine, eating meals at regular times, going to bed and getting up early.

Socialising with friends who make me feel good about myself.

Trying not to say or think negatively about myself.

Rose oils (absolute or otto) in the bath water or in an aromatherapy burner are great for depression. Ylang ylang oil too.

A list of things to do that keeps me busy and I cab tick off.

A nice long bath - rose oil GOOD - and lots of cheese (not in the bath)

Thank you!

I had heard about the exercise and she had been going for a walk every day, but a gang of teenagers has started throwing stones at her and her front door. (She looks and is perfectly ordinary) I said the area was scary.

Will add oils to my list, and think volunteering is a great idea for when she is a bit less black. Also may re-start the 'mamagable to-do list' myself. Might help with the feeling of being overwhelmed by things to do, half of which I forget until there is a crisis.

Re eating: she has given up smoking and cut right down on sugar. A good start, I feel.

what a lovely sister you are!

...