Feeling Depressed? Focus on Personality to Find Ways to Cope

Although we share a depression diagnosis, each of us is still an individual with unique interests; therefore, when we're feeling depressed, it's important to find hobbies and activities that work for our specific personality types. So, what are some suggested activities, and how do we discover which ones might work for us? Also, how can participating in these hobbies and activities help us when we're feeling depressed?

By being active and participating in things that we enjoy, we can distract ourselves from our depression in a healthy way for a time. As long as we spend an appropriate amount of time focusing on our depression recovery, attend therapy sessions if applicable, take our psychiatric medications if we've been prescribed them, and focus on healing in a healthy way, then it is helpful to step away sometimes and find things that take our minds off depression and help us cope.

Personalize These Activities When You're Feeling Depressed

• Reading -- When you crave quiet time, reading is an excellent way to cope with depression. What should you read? That all depends on your interests. Look for genres that appeal to you. If you have issues with your attention span, choose a book of short poems or even a magazine. I am currently reading and working through Tiny Buddha's Worry Journal and Tiny Buddha's 365 Tiny Love Challenges. The first is helping me let go of things I worry about and cannot control; the latter is getting me out of my head and helping me focus on others. Both have been great tools for shifting my thoughts away from my depression.
• Creating -- Creating art is another quiet activity that can help you cope with your depression. Painting is one option, but it is not the only one. There is also sketching, woodworking, scrapbooking, and photography, just to name a few. Also, don't forget the art of writing, which is an activity I engage in on a regular basis. Lately, another creative activity I've been participating in is using pastel chalks. I find them easy to sketch with, and then I find the act of blending the colors to be quite soothing. Plus, the finished product is beautiful -- at least in my eyes. How can you find an art activity you would enjoy? Think about what kinds of art projects you enjoyed as a child. Chances are you would still enjoy them now.
• Exercising -- Exercise is a physically active way of coping with depression, and something that we all need. Whether you choose to use YouTube videos and exercise in the privacy of your own home or join a gym, keeping fit is an excellent and healthy way to cope with depression. I exercise at home and take walks with my husband and children. You find your perfect fit. Try different things. Go dancing. Take Zumba classes. It doesn't matter what you choose, just find a way to move your body. 
• Joining -- Finally, look for groups near you that are based on your interests. Is there a gamer group you'd enjoy? Are there any clubs you'd like to join? You could volunteer as volunteering is a great way to shift your focus to others and take your mind off your depression for a while. I lead a local group for special needs families. It has helped me cope with my depression because I have been able to encourage others and they have been there to encourage me as well. 

Look for activities that will help you cope when you're feeling depressed. Find those specific things that fit your personality. When you do, I'd love to hear back from you.