Hey everybody, I decided to start this thread because I remember how much it hurt to be depressed//suicidal in the past. The aim of this discussion is to just put up ways you deal with stress//anxiety//depression of any kind so that anyone who feels down and happens to read this thread can perhaps find a way to feel better about themselves or their lives. Simple enough.
As for myself, I am an advocate of crying. I make it a habit to try to cry every night before bed. Now before anyone puts me on a suicide watch, let me explain that I TRY to cry every night. If I find something that happened on a particular day makes me sad enough to want to cry, I store my feeling until bedtime and let them out then. This way, the problem is neutralized as quickly as possible and doesn't fester into a huge issue. I just find that it's much easier to deal with a lot of tiny problems than have to beat down one huge problem.
Also, I listen to spunky music and just dance like no one's watching (it also helps if no one is actually watching). I find that having any sort of fun, even if by myself, can be an enormous relief of stress.
Next, if you have the time for it, you can try to take 15 minutes out of your day to simply lay down, close your eyes, and relax. Don't try to think too much. You don't have to sleep, but just cool your jets so that you can relieve some pressure. You can listen to soft music while doing this or not. Do whatever you want, it's dealer's choice.
I also just scream as loudly as I can (preferably when no one is around). I know it sounds silly, but I find that it works, even if only because I sometimes laugh because I feel stupid doing it.
Plus, exercise has many stress-releasing benefits, especially if intense. (I like outdoor bike rides. The intensity and view give me some peace.)
Now it's your turn. Anything goes, so don't be shy.
And now... some spunky music.
