....with depression ( if it happens to you ) around this time of year?

I have, at times, gotten very depressed during this time of year due to a number of factors.

I see all the happy families wandering around the malls and stores.

I see threads here about how peachy life is for some people.

I see the " bad stuff " threads as well. So I know that I am not alone in feeling the way I do.

What is it that keeps you going? What do you have to do to beat the depression?

I know how I deal with it, but I am curious to see if maybe someone has any other ideas that I can try.

Will this help a bit?

http://mingle2.com/topic/show/186720

I shop, A LOT

Somehow, I knew that was coming....lol

I'm too damn broke to shop. lol

I hide my depression closed off in the back of my mind, rarely thinking of the negatives life has thrown me. I focus on the positives and concentrate on a positive outlook for the future. I walk my life, trying my best to even not show my hurt and pain on the inside, just so that it doesn't bring those down in contact with me. And in doing so, I have steered clear from living life feeling trapped by the depression that stemmed from a hurtful past.

Keeping busy helps.

Getting out in the sunlight each day helps some people.

Drinking does NOT help make it better.

Counseling isn't a bad idea if it gets too rough.

Just some ideas. I don't get down around the holidays.

As good as that sounds....

There really isn't all that much positive for me right now.

I drink ALOT!!!

JUST KIDDING!!!

Please think about talking to somebody.

If it happens every winter, you might have SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder.

I try. Sometimes I find stuff to do. Sometimes I don't.



Unfortunately, December in Michigan provides precious little " sunlight ". It's mostly " cloudlight " this time of year....lol



No worries there. I don't drink anyway....lol



Been there before. Didn't help a whole lot.



Thanks, Winx.

I avoid everything to do with Christmas except the cookies! It's all about the cookies!

If I get a bit sad around this time of year, I go find a few phone numbers and set up some dates. It seems to help a lot.

Exercise helps. It release natural endorphines into your system.

That definitely doesn't help me any. I can't get the f*cking TIME from most women. Much less a phone number.

You're welcome.

Even if you only get 15 minutes of sunlight a day, it may help.

Have you considered volunteer work in your spare time? It'll keep you around people and your thoughts will go outward instead of inward.

Ok seriously I try to stock up & avoid having to shop this time of year. The less trips to the stores the better.
I do have a few things I love about Christmas & I try to concentrate on those. I love the Nutcracker & watch it every year. & The Grinch of course!
I saw something yesterday that I want to participate in the local gas station/ convience store has a sock & glove tree for needy seniors. Happiness is warm fuzzy socks!

Make Christmas what you want it to be. I try to carry over the Thanksgiving spirit & avoid the consumerism.

Oh & eat lots of cookies!

Then you're not working hard enough to get the attention from women. But if you do, then I promise you'll find a bit of peace within. Just don't think about getting a number, just have fun meeting new people. It helps. trust bro, trust...