All of us who have had bouts of depression know what it’s like to have a hard time doing anything. Sitting around like a blob makes you feel worse than ever. More than a few of us are fighting such a battle today.

In 1999 my book, Riding the Roller Coaster: Living with Mood Disorders was published. It was a book that tried to help readers cope.

These suggestions for helping with the worst depression may seem rather nonsensical but if you could muster the energy to do one or two of them, you may start feeling better.

  • change the scenery; move to a different room
  • take a sip of soda let the bubbles dance on your tongue
  • wash your face and comb your hair; that feels so good
  • eat a piece of sweet juicy fruit
  • hug your pillow; pretend it’s your best friend
  • point your face to the sky; let the rain wash your cheeks
  • write a description of your feelings. Get poetic if you wish
  • watch a comedy on TV, the sillier the better
  • blow bubbles in the bathtub
  • make a list of everything you’re thankful for
  • beg a hug from someone close to you. Squeeze hard.

marja