I still very much struggle with maintaining my depression but over the years I have found a few things that have really helped me to feel much better.

1. Sometimes listening to what your body wants you to do is the best thing. Of course, this only refers to doing things like allowing yourself some extra sleep or taking some time off of work (if you are able to) to rejuvenate when everything in the world feels too hard.
2. Journalling!!! This can look so different from person to person but writing down your thoughts can help differentiate between those thoughts that are valid and those that are not. It also allows you to realise that thoughts aren't fact.
3. Talk to the people around you. Getting support is hard and it can make you feel less than, but remember that you would never think less of someone you love experiencing something like depression so they won't do that to you.
4. See a psychologist - this is so important to find some incredible tips that are more unique to you plus it gives you someone to talk to about all of your thoughts.

I hope this helps!

Hello everyone
this is a useful thread so I wanted to bump it up the list.
If you are reading this for the first time there are many interesting amd helpful threads here.
it is a good place to share your experiences of what helps you.

I have major depression which is much worse at the moment because of the darkness (Melbourne winter). I am barely functioning and having suicidal thoughts. Seasonal affective disorder doesn’t even come up in a search. Does anyone know anything about lights for SAD? I’m already on double dose of antidepressants and am trying to find something else that might help. Thanks for any advice.

Hi everyone I am unsure what to do at this point. My sister has told me that she is struggling with depression at the moment crying almost everyday.

She is a mother of two and she is struggling at the moment. I to have depression and have trouble with expressing myself, especially sympathy in the moment. A couple of weeks ago my young nephew was having a bad tantrum and hitting both me and my sister he has never been like this before.

My younger nephew is 3 years old. My sister was in tears in this moment and I tried to comfort her but I couldn't figure out how. I am single and have no kids, so I sympathise with her but I don't know what it is like to be a 24/7 parent. She told me later that I lack initiative to help her, when I am at her house eg. washing dishes and helping her look after her kids etc. Which is so true.

I want to help her so much, because she has helped me so much, but I need help myself. I feel that I am putting a lot of pressure on myself, resulting in my own depression and anxiety attacks.

I have suggested to her to go out and do activities without the kids, because she needs her own identity but she is at the point where she is uncomfortable to do things like that.

I don't know what to do. Any suggestions will be helpful thanks.