Feeling down and getting back up

Going down is common in depression.  Getting back up is so difficult.  Here are a few tips to help you get up from that down feeling:

1. Write down your feelings.  Then throw them away or burn them
2. Find a trusted friend you can talk to (see my post about networks)
3. Take a walk or engage in a form exercise.  This will release endorphins and give you a natural high
4. Do something nice for yourself.  This doesn't mean go out and purchase the whole mall.  Something small will do.  If you can't afford to get yourself something, make something for yourself.  This could be as simple as a love note to yourself.  It could be elaborate as sewing a new pair of pajama pants (if you have material and thread, etc)
5. Take a nice, long and hot shower
6. Watch your favorite movie
7. Cuddle with your significant other.  If you don't have a significant other (and this is what is bringing you down), cuddle with a pet or stuffed animal.  The beauty of inanimate objects is that they can't hurt your feelings

Don't let things get you down, but if they do, remember there are a plethora of things to do to get back to your happy place!