Depression Tips

Disclaimer: I do not own these words. I tried finding the author but I can't.  Credits to the rightful owner. This is just too beautifully written to not be disseminated.

Shower. Not a bath, a shower. Use water as hot or cold as you like. You don't even need to wash. Just get in under the water and let it run over you for a while. Sit on the floor if you got to.

Moisturize everything. Use whatever lotion you like. Unscented? Dollar-store lotion? Fancy 48 hour lotion that makes you smell like a field of wildflowers? Use whatever you want, and use it all over your entire dermis.

Put on clean, comfortable clothes. Put on your favorite underwear. Cute black lacy panties? Those ridiculous boxers you bought last Christmas with candy cane hearts on the butt? Put them on.

Drink cold water. Use ice. If you want, add some mint or lemon for an extra boost. I always use lemon.

Clean something. Doesn't have to be anything big. Organize one drawer of a desk. Wash five dirty dishes. Do a load of laundry. Scrub the bathroom sink.

Blast music. Listen to something upbeat and dancey and loud, something that's got lots of energy. Sing to it, dance to it, even if you suck at both.

Make food. Don't just grab a granola bar to munch. Take time and make food. Even if it's ramen. Add something special to it, like a soft boiled egg or some veggies. Prepare food, it tastes way better, and you'll feel like you accomplished something.

Make something. Write a short story, a poem, draw a picture, color a picture, fold origami, crochet or knit, sculpt something out of clay--- anything artistic. Even if you think you're not good at it. Create.

Go outside. Take a walk. Sit in the grass. Look at the clouds. Smell flowers. Put your hands in the dirt and feel the soil against your skin.

Call someone. Call a loved one, a friend, a family member, call a chat service if you have no one else to call. Talk to a stranger on the street. Have a conversation and listen to someone's voice. If you can't bring yourself to call, text or e-mail or whatever, just have some social interaction with another person. Even if you don't say much, listen to them. It helps.

Cuddle your pets. If you have them, you can cuddle them. Take a picture of them. Talk to them. Tell them how you feel, about your favorite movie, a game coming out, anything.

May seem small or silly to some, but this list keeps people alive.

In case nobody has told you today, I love you and you are worthy of love. Be kind to yourself. Find something to be grateful for. :)