Down Days and Depression

I wouldn’t say that I have depression, though I certainly have more than a few down moments that can stretch out for a few days or even weeks. Times when a smile is just a little too hard and I am grateful for the time I get to be alone.

Living alone definitely helps with that and it was certainly harder when I lived in a house share and there was always someone else in the house.

I remember more than a couple of times that I pretended to sleep all day just so I could avoid seeing anyone.

Going through this, I start to hate myself because the idea of interacting with another human being is just too much.

As I said, I don’t consider myself to suffer from depression. I’ve seen my friends and loved ones go through it. Similarities sure, but when they have been brave enough to let me see, the pain that they are going through is not something that I think I could go through.

This made me think and start to look at things I could do—if anything—that I could do to help. Some people have recommended talking—based on how I feel when I’m in a down mood, talking is… quite simply not an option.

Not that it would be impossible of course, but if someone is trying to talk to me when I’m like that, it is just going to anger me and push me away.

Something else that is recommended is getting out in the fresh air, a walk through the country or similar. For me, that works. I’ve been an archer for years now and during my more moody times, there are few things more therapeutic to me than heading to the outdoor club and shooting for a few hours. Of course, archery in winter is cold, wet, and that coupled with me having to walk 1 hour and 45 minutes to get there adds slightly more incentive to not do it more than do it.

But the point of this is what I do and have done to help others and myself.

Cooking

Now hear me out with this. Cooking can be a communal activity. Cooking something new to one or both of you adds an element of "mentor" to the process. Regardless of which role you feel there is a special bond that forms in those situations.

From a personal standpoint I wouldn’t recommend something heavy, but something nice and light, maybe a two course meal. I used to cook things like a Samba soup (an Indian dish and something he had great expertise in cooking) with Parathas.

Focusing on the activity won’t get rid of that feeling- but the communal bond and result of a great meal - or perhaps a failure of a meal by done with a friend and love one can be a great help.

Going Out

Okay, so I’m sure you saw this one coming. Sometimes it takes a bit of persuasion to get someone out of their home. If possible get out into the countryside. Get away from cars and busy roads. Go somewhere with trees and, if you can, some hills.

It is amazing the benefits that the sun has on the mind. Yes, in the winter the weather certainly becomes more miserable, but with any chance of sun, you should try to get out there.

Exercise

Of course you don’t have to become a pro bodybuilder. Perhaps going swimming or archery. Being active releases endorphins—they are kinda important for being happy or keeping in any kind of positive mood.

Setting Goals

So this one can be a little deceptive. It’s not like you have to make the goal of running a marathon. Start small. Start easy.

With any step—no matter what it is—the simple fact that you have achieved it is something you should be proud of. Cleaning, a shower, preparing meals; hell even dressing up can be enough. As I said, any step is a success.

These all seem so basic. And again, I don’t say that I suffer from depression because I know how dark that gets and I haven’t gotten in such a way. But if, like me, you have down days or something a little more serious, just these simple steps can do so much and more importantly, they can mean so much.