What to do during depression?

Hi,
I have been going through the posts here and the responses and all I can feel is "Thank God for the Internet!" I have been stewing for the past few days - didnt know this resource was there. Am so glad that I have finally found it.

Briefly - I go through episodes of depression - now for the last 28years. For about 12 years I was on Prozac - God bless whoever made it - and it was such a relief. But then i realised that I have to find the strength within, build it up, find support, etc. so that I dont need to be on meds forever. The doc agreed and I have managed quite well. I am a fairly good girl now - eat properly, sleep for 8 hours, pre-empt stress, exercise (okay on this I am not so good), be nice to me - you know, do all the right things.

I do get episodes still, but not so bad and not so often.

However on 31st December I snapped - lot of stress - personal, work, family, everything through December. And then I couldnt snap out of it. I went through the whole range - no feeling, sleeping too much, tired all the time, didnt feel like talking to anyone, cried a lot - all of you know how it is. I feel better today, but not quite there yet.

What I am wondering is - when the episode is mild one can handle it - there are many tips for living with depression. But what does one do during the worst of it? When I simply cant get the energy to call a friend or send out an email or get on to the net? When I just want to curl up and hope to never to wake up again. I tried music, but after some time I couldnt handle the "noise"!!!

Do any of you have any one thing that you do during that time that helps? Please share it.

Many thanks for your responses - in advance - such a relief to find this forum.

Hi Chennai Queen,

Welcome to the forum, and thank you for this post.  I think it would be nice if we all shared what we do to help us to feel better.

I know that sleeping isn't the answer, but often I allow myself to do that, and I feel better the next day.  I think guilt plays a big part in our deperssion.  And feeling guilty for doing nothing is hard to deal with.  But sometimes we just need the rest and to excape from everyday life.

Walking is good.  I do that a lot.  It seems to be good physically and mentally.  Also taking life one day at a time.  Try not to worry about the past or the future, stay in the "now". 

I hope that this helps some, and I hope that others reply with their ways to cope.

Best wishes for a wonderful day.  Stay with us.

Hugs, Karen

Thanks a lot, Linx, Karen and Jamiee

The TV has been on today - and it has been distracting me!

1. yes to that karen, relax!!
2. good luck with the adjustment.
3. cheers, with compassion, jamie.

Loveless - thanks - that should be my name - loveless :)