Light up some arrows dipped in kerosene and shoot em with a bow at some Gallon jugs of Gasoline...just stand back about 30 ft or so and make sure you are in the middle of an open field...oh and have plenty of water close by just in case... Works wonders!

the depressed mind doesn't work the same as mine does, but when i feel down, i remember that i'm not in a burn wing or quadriped wing at a hospital and dealing with that pain, and it pulls me out of it....but depressed minds don't work that way. for my ex, and maybe you, it was a chemical imbalance, which is an entirely different matter, and i sympathize with this. hardcore stuff.

I helped to make some Christmas spiders, today. It started out as tinsel but one of the residents pulled it back down. I thought, hey, cool after looking at the pieces on the floor. They looked just like silver spiders.

I have been checked for the chemical imbalance. Thankfully, that's not the problem.

I'm a horror writer.

I try to keep as busy as possible with my job. I also have a couple of good friends I can talk to when I feel myself starting to sink again.

Have you thought about trying some meds, just for the short term?? Some people need them to get through the rough spots. I live in the Northwest too and lots of people around here deal with seasonal affective disorder too.

I have a hard time with the holidays too, I try to think about happier times but it doesn't always work. My Grandpa died on 01/01/84, my mom on 01/02/06, and dad just died on 11/10/08, so I concentrate on my grandbabies and try to do things that allow me to concentrate on them and not dwell on sadder memories. (Sorry this got so long.) Take care of yourself.

Nahhh. I have learned to deal with it on my own.

I have never resorted to drugs, legal OR prescription, for anything. I'm not figuring on starting now.

If I DID get that far down, then I would probably consider it. I haven't been that far into the hole since I was in my teens.

BOINK!

First what makes you depressed?

Then, stop thinking about those things, think about the festive mood, the wonderful music, the beautiful lights. Think of all the good things about this time of year. Get you some up-beat Christmas music, and listen to it. Manheim Steamroller is very good for this. Join in with some friends, so that it's harder to think about the bad things that depress you. I guess you can tell this is my favorite time of the year!!

I would have never guessed....lmao

As far as not thinking about something that is depressing to me. It involves my daughter and I absolutely refuse to stop thinking about her.

I'd rather live with being depressed.

Personally this is the worst time of year for me, not because it is Christmas but a lot of different things (I don't celebrate Christmas). Usually I just listen to music and hope to make it through another year, not the best choice but I refuse medication...this year might not be so bad as I have a fine lass that I'm currently seeing. Write, draw, listen to music...sums up my therapy for Christmas.

I would have never guessed....lmao

As far as not thinking about something that is depressing to me. It involves my daughter and I absolutely refuse to stop thinking about her.

I'd rather live with being depressed.

Personally this is the worst time of year for me, not because it is Christmas but a lot of different things (I don't celebrate Christmas). Usually I just listen to music and hope to make it through another year, not the best choice but I refuse medication...this year might not be so bad as I have a fine lass that I'm currently seeing. Write, draw, listen to music...sums up my therapy for Christmas.

***Mingle has hit a speed-bump, sorry for the inconvienence.***

I would have never guessed....lmao

As far as not thinking about something that is depressing to me. It involves my daughter and I absolutely refuse to stop thinking about her.

I'd rather live with being depressed.

i tend to make plans for the future so i have something to look forward to

like this year i made two batches of pickled eggs and i can't open them until company comes over on christmas, they simply aren't ready until then so i can't cheat

And old boyfriend...okay not old...a past boyfriend said he goes to the tanning salon...he always appeared more vibrant afterwards.
For me I have my favorite places to go to unwind...either a bubble bath or the local museum and gaze at a breathtaking young muscular brooding St. John the Baptist by Caravaggio.

Lots of good suggestions. The thing is, the holidays are tough for many people, for many reasons. I, myself, hate them and if it wasn't for my son would skip over them all together. But, that's not an option so, like everyone, I do the best I can and just try to remind myself that they'll be over soon.

One of the really good suggestions I saw was volunteer. Find something you care about, from your local volunteer fire department, to shelters (human or animal), read to children at libraries, whatever it is that floats your boat. Most places need lots of extra hands this time of year, you'll meet new people, it'll give you something to focus on aside from yourself, etc. Might even give you something to look forward to.

Yes, definitely agree with volunteering. The thought is to give of yourself...finding value in the idea that you have something to offer another person or organization. Even ringing the SA bell can be rewarding...cold in some places.

You have to believe that life is worth living. That your not alone and were all on the same planet trying to figure stuff out the same way.