When I find myself stuck in my head about something, which is usually the first phase of feeling depressed for me, I start a gratitude list. Once I get listing all the things I am grateful for, I can usually no longer even remember what thought was getting me down. Sometimes seeing all that I do have in life written out on a piece of paper makes it more of a reality for me. I try to make a habit of starting my day off with a gratitude list before I even get out of bed, and then ending the day with another list before I go to sleep.

Other than taking an anti-anxiety pill (!), my best strategy is snuggling up with my children, ages 7 and almost-4. Feeling their healthy warm bodies next to mine calms and soothes me when I'm feeling depressed and anxious--I feel like a mama lion snuggling (or sometimes tussling) with her cubs. I listen to their laughter and kiss their cheeks and when they tell me they love me, I know I can keep going.

These may not be new but they work for me.
1. A depression buster for me is to GET UP and move. No matter the physical difficulty I get up and start a day. I refuse to let the day pass me by. 2. I involve myself by doing something for someone else and include a bit of creativity be it a telephone call to a friend or relative and I may tell a joke or sing (and I can not sing but I do). I may draw a silly picture and create a card to send to someone. 3. I make sure that I take care of my appearance, even if it means hitting a cold shower to jump start myself and believe me I am no fan of cold water but I shiver and laugh.4. I refuse to fear, not that there are not plenty anyone can healthily be afraid of but I hand the other things like bill colletors, does anyone care over to God and the angels. If they need me to do something with an issue or to complete a tasks it becomes clear. 5. I pray, read and meditate. 6. I get outside everyday even if its just to go to the post office or to stand out and feel the breeze, appreciate the sun listen to the birds. 7. I like anyone else assess myself and determine what I next need to work on to be who I want to be and am I being as responsible as I can be. 8. While anxiety and depression effects not only yourself but those around you I make sure I am responsible for how I feel and not someone else. 9. I remember I have much to give so I go about giving and finding the most positive ways to do it. My purpose has always been in serving others and serve God by this. Faith is an integral part of overcoming and dealing with anything.10. Action is active and yet can be seen as passive if you take time to be silent,listen and enjoy that which is around you,but it is truly ACTION. 11. Exercise by climbing those stairs or doing something more structured. I find if I get moving from cleaning house to running errands I get plenty of "EXERCISE". 12. Music is an upper to assist in maintaining my energy and a sedative in unwinding and relaxing so I can sleep at night. 13. I chalk the occasional tearing up as cleansing so that nothing stays bottled up and if I can not identify how come the tears right then I simply give them to God with a Thank You and keep moving. 14. As you can tell humor plays an important role and laughing at myself at times is my own best medicine. 15. Loving others and the desire for others to be happy, going beyond myself is still one of my best depression busters. My friends laugh and ask me exatly when was I depressed. I never hid it they could not see it because I refused to let it control and keep me down. Oh it began after a cerebral anuerysm 15 years ago. That did not stop me either and only by the Grace of God and my two sons who thought I was bananas any way and they are now grown and do not worry much about me. They check on me if I have not had any contact in a while but it's more to find out What I am doing or into now. Life is great live it.

My dogs are my favorite "depression buster." No matter how unmotivated I am to do anything for myself, I am responsible for feeding them, taking them outside, and giving them the care they can't provide for themselves, and I cannot neglect them the way I do myself.

Trying to keep a positive attitude is one of the ways I keep from falling into a depression. I started walking again as we had a few mild days. Talking to my few friends helps me see where I am at that particular time.

Since my daughters are grown and out of state, I try to live my life the best I can. I enjoy reading lots of books. Enjoy the contemporary Christian music at the service I attend. All of the above helps my mood tremendously.