13 Tips for Staying Connected When Depressed

It's very important to stay connected when you are dealing with depression. Being with your friends or loved ones helps a lot, more than you realized.

Here are some tips for staying connected when depressed:

1. TALK TO ONE PERSON ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS

You may feel too exhausted to talk, ashamed at your situation, or guilty for neglecting certain relationships. But this is just the depression talking. Staying connected to other people and taking part in social activities will make a world of difference in your mood and outlook. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness and it won’t mean you’re a burden to others. Your loved ones care about you and want to help. And if you don’t feel that you have anyone to turn to, it’s never too late to build new friendships and improve your support network.

Look for support from people who make you feel safe and cared for. The person you talk to doesn’t have to be able to fix you; they just need to be a good listener—someone who’ll listen attentively and compassionately without being distracted or judging you.

 

2. HELP SOMEONE ELSE BY VOLUNTEERING

Find ways to support others. It’s nice to receive support, but research shows you get an even bigger mood boost from providing support yourself. So find ways—both big and small—to help others: volunteer, be a listening ear for a friend, do something nice for somebody.

3. HAVE LUNCH OR COFFEE WITH A FRIEND

Make face-time a priority. Phone calls, social media, and texting are great ways to stay in touch, but they don’t replace good old-fashioned in-person quality time. Â The simple act of talking to someone face to face about how you feel can play a big role in relieving depression and keeping it away.

Try to keep up with social activities even if you don’t feel like it. Often when you’re depressed, it feels more comfortable to retreat into your shell, but being around other people will make you feel less depressed.

4. ASK A LOVED ONE TO CHECK IN WITH YOU REGULARLY

We always have this one person our family that we trust more than the others. We can confide in them without prejudice. Ask him/her to check in with you regularly. Even if you don't need it, tell them do it. It will help.

 

5. ACCOMPANY SOMEONE TO THE MOVIES, A CONCERT, OR A SMALL GET-TOGETHER

Get busy! You will always have this friend or loved ones that like going to a movie, or a party or vacation. Go with them! 

 

6. CALL OR EMAIL AN OLD FRIEND

There were times in our life that we had this good old friend (s). Call them and re-connect. Talking about good times can help.

 

7. GO FOR A WALK WITH A WORKOUT BUDDY

Go for a walk, with a friend or your pet. Just don't stay inside all the time, because that's the time you will think of these bad things. Specially when you live alone.

 

8. SCHEDULE A WEEKLY DINNER DATE

Something to look forward to will also help. Go and pick-up the phone and schedule that dinner date.

9. MEET NEW PEOPLE BY TAKING CLASS OR JOINING A CLUB

Join a support group for depression. Being with others dealing with depression can go a long way in reducing your sense of isolation. You can also encourage each other, give and receive advice on how to cope, and share your experiences.

10. CONFIDE IN A CLERGY MEMBER, TEACHER OR SPORTS COACH

If you can't talk to your loved ones and friends because of shame, talk to someone professional that you know can understand. They don't have to be a doctor, just normal people that deal with different people everyday. You don't know, they have the best advise that can help you.

 

11. CARE FOR PET

If you think you can't talk to someone yet, try caring for a pet. While nothing can replace the human connection, pets can bring joy and companionship into your life and help you feel less isolated. Caring for a pet can also get you outside of yourself and give you a sense of being needed—both powerful antidotes to depression. Most specially, pets will not judge you!

12. DO SOME PLANTING

Planting really helped me when I was depressed. It's very quiet and I'm alone, but my mind does not wander. I never think of bad things, just focusing on how I can take care of the plants and looking forward for their daily watering.
 

13. PRAY!

This one is the most important for me! When I was in that dark times of my life, I always go to the church after work. I stayed there, crying, and when I said crying, I wept. I didn't care about the people around me, I just let my feelings all out. I have never told anyone my problems, only when I was in church that I told God everything. After that, I feel a little better, but I never stopped going to the church everyday.

And as much as possible, avoid being alone