Often I simply lurk around the gen-gen forum, I hardly participate in any of the discussions. I've noticed people use it to deal with problems they're going through.
It's a wonderful medium for that, I guess. It grants you a degree of anonimity, yet can be a source for great compassion and understanding. There are some fine people here.
I'd hate to add to the ranks of the slightly more depressive threads of this forum, but I'm still gonna.
I've not really felt good for the last nine months. I won't go in to the source of my problems, suffice it to say it's the L-word. [Don't pass on the opportunity to make a witty remark to this.]
Rather, I'd ask you for some constructive thoughts. I've picked up some bad habits in these months, attempts in vain for diversion and clearing my mind. One positive habit has been to buy and download insane (at least for me) amounts of music. Music helps get my mind off of things and more than often, the lyrics can be a source of wisdom. Still, my thoughts wander back, I get depressed and on nights like this, I can't get much sleep.
Back on track, what I'm asking are things along the line of me downloading music. What do you do when you get depressed? What helps you through tough times in life?
I sense the possibility for an ultimately very positive thread, so don't be shy. ;)
Get a hobby, get out of the house, meet someone, get a girlfriend, work more, drive around, do stuff...
Get off the damn internet! No, seriously, I've noticed a direct link between feeling angsty and hanging around online for large amounts of time. Do something... get a job, go sit in the park, it doesn't matter. And while you're at it try to meet some people too, it's something I've never been able to do with much success.
I'm playing Rode Quest 2 right now, that's pretty cool.
But seriously, I went on vacation, in the past week I had a BBQ with some friends, went to a night club with other friends, went to bars, went to the beach, went to the movies, tried some AGS games, worked on my own game some, visited an old friend in his new house.
(Lots of fun, still depressed. It happens.)
I spend time on the Internet, I admit, but I'm not an addict.
What I'm trying to say is, I'm not looking for direct advice i.e. you telling me what I should do.
I was wondering what all you guys do in similar situations.
Go read somewhere in public.
Write comedy and perform onstage somewhere. That will get your mind off anything, haha, but only stress you out even more.
Join a club or a meeting group somewhere. Go to a bingo hall. Meet anyone even if its old people, plus they might have some hot grand daughters.
Live life to the fullest! Join the Air Force! Party out loud!...Really desperate? Join a support group,run for president,and maybe get a hobby (collect stamps,learn guitar,lear a foriegn language,or you can put on some old rags,cry while lying on the ground,but secretly laugh while people crowd around you and drop money next to ya...
Just maybe..
The L-word, huh? I lost my llama to the desert last year.
I don't necessarily think the internet corollates to depression. I'm on the computer and internet a lot, and I'm one of the least depressable guys I know.
But on moments I have gotten a little depressed, I just started doing things to keep my mind of it. Just keep yourself busy until you forget that your depressed. Or, just look at life as one big joke (without a punchline), and laugh at the good and the bad. That's what I do. Something bad happens to me, I laugh my troubles away. I know it seems strange, but why not laugh? It's a form of relief. Same with crying. Sometimes it's good to have a good cry (no matter how unmanly it is).
-MillsJROSS
Praying always helps. Talking to a good friend is also helps get things off your chest.
Write happy music! If you listen to it, it makes you feel happy! ;D :D
Take anti-depressant prescription drugs.
Well, that's my cheapo way. Don't do drugs.
When I get depressed, I spend hours upon hours of sitting silently and motionless, without thinking or feeling anything. I also sleep alot. It is best to do something interesting or engaging, like reading, music (my favourite), making games, etc. Also, it helps if you have to do these things, so one doesn't just say "forget it"--- things like jobs, school, friends, etc.
Anyway, don't let leprosy get you down, it's great for grossing out the girls!
I agree with CheapAlert. If you're suffering from prolonged depression with seemingly no reason whatsoever, you're most likely be suffering from clinical depression caused by chemical imbalance in your brain.
You can't simply brush it off with jolly attitute, so go seek help now.
oh wait, you already know why you're depressed. nevermind my previous post. ha ha ha.
I am going through a similar period at the moment, and I found out that Helm's old words of wisdom are correct - there is happiness in creation, in doing something productive.
I'v eben depressed the last month, but I got out of the depression, by thinking to myself; "why am I depressed?" "What will moping around achieve?" and eventually I managed to get rid of the depression. try it.
Constuctive things are hard to achieve, or be in the state to achieve when you're depressed.
I've been there, my worst case wasn't helped by the following:
my friend (Tim Webster from sports tonight's Son, for you Aussies) best friend committed suicide, a week later his girlfriend committed suicide (copycat situation) she was a good friend of mine too [I spoke to her on the day {with no idea what was about to happen}], then less than a week later my best girlfriends dad died in a house fire, these things seem to happen in 3's.
This was all during my finals in my first year of uni, and to make things worse, my former best friend stole my girlfriend {that I lived with}, (both of them behind my back, and I knew what was happening, as if you can't see that happening, especially your two closest friends [both the cunts])
This was back in 1995, I've got over the relationship stuff (and had others since then) but find it hard to commit to any relationship these days.
During that period I smoked a lot of marijuana, and continued to for the next 5 years, which made my depression much worse.
Eventually I started taking prescribed antidepressants, as much as they made me less depressed, the side effects and addiction was worse than any experience I've had, including what I've mentioned.
Coming off the antidepressants was the toughest thing I've ever been through, but made the otherside more bareable, I lost another girlfriend coming off the pills, but I didn't even care, for 3 months I did absolutely nothing, and I can't really even remember it, it was a strange period of time, but made me stronger mentally.
I can't say I know a solution to getting well, but Time heals all wounds, that is the only thing that is certain, as long as you have things to occupy your time meanwhile, you will be right.
I'm nearly back to scratch and it has only taken 7-8 years, they say every 7 years your life changes completely, lucky I'm nearly 28, hopefully this is the good patch.
I've shared my bad patch, everyone has had bad experiences, but life finds it's own way back on track (without you even realising [depression is addictive, and if you start to come out of it, you find yourself looking for excuses to go back to it] don't fall into that trap)
I'm pretty happy these days, and AGS has added to that, Thanks CJ, I just know the next 7 years will be the foundation of my life to come.
You have been through alot!
CJ aught to get the nobel peace prize.
Play guitar. A LOT of it. That's what I do, although it comes out in my music, I've got only a couple uplifting sounding songs, but the rest you can tell are from my heart, what I'm feeling.
--Snake
Read Bible and go see a movie with friends. Even better, write a sad story and use it to make a game.
i've suffered from depression for 10 yrs, but i'm probably the worse person to give advice 'cause i'm failing to get beyond it... but i can say..
don't take drugs legal or otherwise (they only hide the problem and you could end up on them for life)
don't lose touch with your friends (you may need them)
don't drink (it could put you on a downer)
i'm sorry but PC's dont help, it becames an addiction, 75% of ppl i know's marriages are in deep shit and puters are a big part of the problem(including me)
talk to people, help can come from the oddest places
music helps a lot very good for moods
just get out and live
i can say that because a lot of i didn't do and now its a lot harder to get beyond the depression
rather than start a new thread i'll say it here...
i'm taking a break from the pc and trying to make a life, and rebuild some of the damage, tc everyone, its been fun, happy AGS'ing ;D
Paranoia
Hmm, well i have been a bit deoressed lately. About three weeks ago, one of my friends committed suicide. I'm finding it increasingly harder to focus on schoolwork these days. Talking to people has been helpful, as well as praying and reading the bible.Also playing the guitar is good. After i heard what happened, and after i had cried, all i wanted to do was play guitar. It helps keep your mind on something else.
Whenever I get depressed, I go back over my life and think about all the times that made me happy.
Like the time during my parents' divorce.
Although it may seem like a depressing time (and despite all the typical angst through my teenage years, especially against my parents), there were shining moments.
I remember the year I first duxed drama - On speech night, I got an award for my efforts and it still remains one of the happiest moments of my life.
This year, I moved the award (plus another I won the following year) on to my desk, as a special reminder of that time.
You see, it was such a happy moment that night and not just because of the award, but because everyone thought I was going to succeed in maths of computers.
And instead, I surprised everyone -- Even my Dad, and even myself.
My Dad said to me on the night of the award that he was proud of me and surprised that I'd won in drama, instead of maths or computers or some brainy subject.
I think the award also reminds me that people develop in ways they never even consider.
And, at times, you can still surprise yourself.
There are other numerous moments of happiness during this time that I can remember -- most are more personal and I prefer to keep them to myself.
But, I do reveal this about me -- there were times I fell in love with many women, and a lot of the time was rejected (probably due to the fact that I was falling for women a few years older than I was).
But I'm glad I'm the sort of person who can feel such a strong emotion such as love.
And I know that no matter has depressing it may feel to go unnoticed by a lover, the sensation is always so great that it makes you feel more human.
I felt vulnerable so many times, and yet it's my vulnerabilities that makes me stronger.
And you look at the world like an innocent child again.
I don't regret a single moment I dwelled on love at any time in my life.
I've learnt so much, and my self-loathing no longer imprisions me.
Quote from: MillsJROSS on Sat 02/08/2003 05:35:18Or, just look at life as one big joke (without a punchline), and laugh at the good and the bad. That's what I do. Something bad happens to me, I laugh my troubles away. I know it seems strange, but why not laugh? It's a form of relief. Same with crying. Sometimes it's good to have a good cry (no matter how unmanly it is).
-MillsJROSS
Laughing it off can indeed help, aswell as looking at everything in a positive manner.
There's a book called the Tao of Pooh (and also The Te of Piglet) which really changed my view on things. The book explains Taoism, a chinese sort of "belief" (not religious), using Winnie-the-Pooh, and vise versa. It really is inspiring and funny, and it helps me overcome difficulties. I only recently found out about it :).
"But the basic Taoism is simply a particular way of appreciating, learning from, and working with whatever happens in everyday life. From the Taoist point of view, the natural result of this harmonious way of living is happiness."
"Within each of us there is an Owl, a Rabbit, an Eeyore, and a Pooh. For too long, we have chosen the way of Owl and Rabbit. Now, like Eeyore, we complain about the results. But that accomplishes nothing. If we are smart, we will choose the way of Pooh. As if from far away, it calls to us with the voice of a child’s mind. It may be hard to hear at times, but it is important just the same, because without it, we will never find our way through the Forest."
There are more excerpts from it here: http://spoerlein.iwarp.com/pooh1.html
:)
Hmm... depression has been a large part of my life for the last 12 years... and I can relate to the situation with your friend... a friend of mine shot himself 2 years ago... I remember how badly in denial I was about it... it was like, "he shot himself... okay, he shot himself in the chest or something... so, he's really okay". But when I went to the wake, as soon as I got to the front door of his parent's house, I just started balling... I still think I see him around (like I'll see someone who LOOKS like him), but then I realize he's not here anymore.
I guess, all I can really tell you is:
1. It's okay to cry.
2. Don't ever let somebody talk shit about your dead friend
As for dealing with depression; playing guitar was always my ventilation, I found a band to join... all the screaming helped. Drawing and writing help too. Scream therapy helps... wait until you're all alone, and scream obscenities, yell out what's on your mind. Plus, I know it's a sign of madness, but talking to yourself helps a little too...
But lately, I've been extremely depressed, and none of the things that worked for me work as well anymore... being at a job that I hate doesn't help. I don't know... I wish the best of luck to you... if you want you can drop me a line through my website, and I can be kind of like a counselor or therapist.
Stuff like this on any forum is hard to respind to because everyone has their own ways of dealing with it. I build stuff in 3D, or watch a movie. But its up to you, do whatever makes you happiest or better. I understand that sometimes its hard to find that one thing...
Whatever you do, do not resort to self harm. That doesn't really help.
Draw, learn something new, make a game, go out with your friends or alone, just keep your mind off whatever it is that made you depressed in the first place.
There was a point in my life when I was depressed all of the time. I finally realized it was because I was lonely (as in my love life). Once I found a girlfriend, i started to get better. Through the years thereafter, I started treating girls better and better, due to me feeling better and better about myself, realizing I wasn't a bad guy, and now I think I'm okay.
Although now it's hard to tell. I've been kind of depressed lately, and I think it may be because I'm lonely once again. My friend Sarah wants to set me up with one of her dorm-mates, a girl I've met already and thought was nice, but still. Boredom REALLY does not help either. Boredom, for me, seems to bring it out.
So what do I do? I read books I like, draw (both on the computer and on paper), do puzzles, listen to NON-depressing music...
/me presses the "Next" button on WinAmp and listens to "Clocks" by Coldplay.
That's such an anti-depressing song. It's uplifting and really helps sometimes. :)
So yeah that's about it. I've had to deal with depression often and those things work for me. Don't know if they'll work for you, but hey who knows. :)
Quote from: terranRICH on Fri 08/08/2003 05:48:15
/me presses the "Next" button on WinAmp and listens to "Clocks" by Coldplay.
That's such an anti-depressing song. It's uplifting and really helps sometimes. :)
Amen to that.
I talk to myself all the time :D.
A very undepressing pure fun song I know (in french):
La bonne franquette. I dunno, I just like it.
Listeneing to sad music can be fun sometimes but when your depressed it feels terrible.
Boredom is ussually the cause for me to get depressed. That's why I ahven't been depressed for a long time now, I've always had what to do (mainly making a game).