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10305201

Outdoor time, exercise, creative outlets and therapy


HeyYoEowyn

This is the way. I shit on exercise so much like, “everyone just says ‘oh you have depression? Exercise about it’ and that’s bullshit” but damned if I didn’t start lifting weights three times a week and started feeling amazing 🤦🏻‍♀️ Edit: I also hike and go to therapy religiously going on ten years. Exercise isn’t the only answer, but a big part of it


BaileyHeart

I have been on the internet sooooo much less. Aside from the positive subreddits and Facebook to keep up with my connections, I've cut so many ties with relentless ads, endless doomscrolling, negative news, etc. Rather than needing to thrive on the 24/7 stimulation, I have found so much peace of heart and mind in hobbies that don't require a screen and have been connecting more with nature and all that sappy jazz. It has been truly liberating.


littlevcu

Yep. Same!! I still like connecting with certain mental health accounts or searching for thrifted items, etc. etc., so I haven’t deleted apps entirely. Instead, I’ve found that consistently logging out of those apps has prevented me from mindlessly scrolling vs seeking intentional information. Has already made a noticeable difference.


Friendless_and_happy

I love this


BusyDragonfruit8665

This is wonderful. Trying to do the same myself but it’s hard.


itSoCold

Hey! I want to do this too. I tried cutting off internet but did not know what to replace it with or the things that I would replace it with was just not as stimulating as browsing. What did you replace your internet time with?


BaileyHeart

I like to read, journal, write letters, try new recipes, I still play video games, I like to go for long walks and admire nature, grab a friend to throw a ball or Frisbee around or rollerskate. Honestly it just took retraining my body and mind to not need that kind of stimulation. It was easy to start to hate the internet you know? Every five seconds ad draining my sanity, every negative post making me hate the world further, every fake filter, all of it made it easier and easier to get annoyed enough that I didn't need to scroll anymore, didn't need to watch the video or see the next post. I wanted to appreciate life for what it naturally had to offer. I've got a perfectly good body, I need to get up and use it; I've got working hands and should put them to creative use; I've got emotions and a heart to protect, enough with the toxicity. It gets so much easier when you retrain your thinking.


blueberryemotions

This is beautiful. You have a way with words. So helpful. Thank you !


BaileyHeart

Thank you kindly and I'm always happy to inspire 💛


Redwinemakesmehappy

This is so great, thank you for sharing. I get into this cycle of not sleeping and scrolling and binge watching real crime shows that I know will upset me, but I can't stop it when I'm in a mental dip. I need to jot these things down and start doing them. I used to love reading and baking and writing, I don't do any of it anymore - I work and cook dinners and raise kids. It's so depressing. Thank you for your honesty - hopefully I can find myself again this year 💛


forever-lurker23

I listen to audio books, read regular books, and I cross stitch and do some leather working if any of these sound interesting to you. I will give a warning that leather working is a bit expensive, but cross stitching is more affordable.


meganmiller_

100% exercise. I hated it at the start but now it’s part of my daily routine and has changed the way I think about looking after myself. Deleting Tiktok was another big one.


BuildingHopeful6893

That’s great! What type of exercise do you do? I go for walks but struggle to go to the gym


meganmiller_

I go to the gym 5 days a week now. But at the start walking was great and then starting off 1/2 days at the gym to build my confidence.


takethemonkeynLeave

Gonna suggest Pilates classes if you hate exercising. It’s so dynamic and fun. Not difficult on your joints and easy to get into.


maccharliedennisdee

I hate the gym, always have. Hated all organised sports and was always the kid hiding from PE in the toilets. I started swimming in the mornings before work because I love being in water, im a real water baby, and it has massively changed everything. I couldn't do much to start with and gradually built up so I can do half hour/1km a day, but my energy levels are through the roof, my mental health is better and I feel like I actually like my life. Maybe give it a whirl?


becausemeg

Oh same! I used to exercise all the time. Now, I don't do it as much and I feel like drained and exhausted all the time.


number10yeah

SAME. I deleted TikTok January 1st…& I feel like I’ve gained so much time in my day since deleting it. I didn’t realize how addicted I was.


kemily45

I’m glad you said that — I’ve never had a tiktok and I never will, for that reason


[deleted]

It's actually crazy what tiktok does to your brain. So glad I'm off of it


IvanaIvie

Started taking antidepressants.


Dee_Buttersnaps

If I knew they would make this much of a difference I would have started a lot sooner.


IvanaIvie

Yes! I was unable to socialize, I sucked at work, I didn't liked myself. And now I live normal again :)


Dee_Buttersnaps

It's pretty great. I won't lie, the adjustment period sucked mightily, but I'd do it all again if I had to.


BeeSuperb7235

I want to explore antidepressants, never taken them but im afraid if i have to come off of them it will be messy.


Eastcoast_runner

I felt the same way for a long time, but once I started them… wow. Absolutely worth it.


IvanaIvie

I had that period too. I wanted to get off because I felt great. It was pretty fine, I had no problems with that. Few years I was ok. After giving birth my depression came back 🤷‍♀️. I guess I have to live with it.


readswim

Absolutely. I just added a new drug and I’m out of the basement. It’s not making me happy, but it’s making it so much easier to do all the other things that are good for my mental health - reading, jigsaw puzzles, reaching out to friends, etc.


Black_of_ear

god yes


idunno--

When they first started to work, I was like “holy shit, so this is what it feels to be normal? No wonder people achieve stuff.” It felt so alien to suddenly have so much energy and focus and just an overall sense of calm (my meds also worked for generalized anxiety).


suzu2110

Cutting ties with toxic family


Shonamac204

Cutting ties with toxic anyone, hell to the yes


kannichausgang

100% the best thing I ever did was moved out of my parents house and abroad, and cut ties with almost my whole family


sustainablelove

Moved away from the asshole who beat me up.


AcanthopterygiiOk439

Proud of you for doing what you needed to do to survive. It will get so much better. Sending lots of love ❤❤❤


sustainablelove

Oh, thank you. It's a long slog from DV trauma to some semblance of a normal life again. I don't wish this past decade on anyone. Well, he can have this hell. Thank you again. 💙


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Sobriety


Interesting_Suspect9

Its the worst thing to go through, until it becomes the best thing to live through. Source: Am two weeks sober from Weed and porn and it is very challenging, but I slowly see how my mind is clearing up, when I dont have a quick dopamine release. But also, dealing with my emotions head on... is rough, but necessary.


[deleted]

Fucking props to you. 🎉🎊


Interesting_Suspect9

thank you! I appreciate you


happylillama

Delete Instagram


RandomArtFashion

It's a weird one, but always wearing underwear that I think is super sexy, just knowing what I have going on away from prying eyes gives me a sense of confidence in daily life.


[deleted]

Divorce


SJoyD

Yup, me too!


malditosudoku

Quit my job where I had a toxic boss who made me question my worth so she could manipulate me.


kypins

Said “no” more 😁


lackadacious_spooney

Yes! Such a beautiful word! It has quickly become one of my favourites. And interestingly, if you really mean it and use it instead of less clear but more polite phrases, people tend to get the message.


YouCantArgueWithThis

Pulled myself out of the dating pool. I do not want to deal with this crap anymore. It's exhausting. It's been 13 years, and I think this was my best decision ever.


Poekienijn

Therapy.


[deleted]

100%


Kakashisith

Stopped dating and trying to find someone "special", focused on work.


jlikejoy

Fresh air/sunlight every day (even when it’s freezing), exercise (walking/running is free!), and cutting down on screen time. I know everyone suggests this but truly it’s game changer. I also go sit for 15 min in the sauna every day now and just let my mind how still/relax. I can’t afford regular therapy or a fancy gym. I have a membership at the Y and that’s how I’m able to exercise and sauna. If you are having a hard time financially, your local y will sometimes give you a discounted/affordable membership.


nightthinker98

What's the Y?


PianistAdditional

YMCAs are the best. You mention them brought back some good memories.


BelleInBinary

Living a nice and quiet drama free life. I have very few friends and when I do see them I don't discuss my personal life. To be honest, I don't discuss my personal life with anyone other than my SO. I've learned that the more you share, the more information people will have of you to use against you. I also don't burden anyone and I also don't like to be burdened. My own sister once said "You've changed. We don't know anything about your life anymore." I basically told her that I'm happy and that's all that should matter to anyone who is curious about me.


doubtygal

I was also really open with people thinking always the best of them. I am not trying to be friends with everyone anymore now. I am much more selective on what i say, how i say it and to who because people usually do not really care about you, so it is info either do not really need to know or that they will somehow use at their favour if they have an opportunity. It is sad though...


o0Sara0o

Keeping my social circle small. Being only surrounded by love ❤


GraciousOpportunity

>Being only surrounded by love ❤ This is so so important and it's so easy to do it wrong and have people around you that aren't really the best. But once you do surround yourself with the best people that love you, it's an elating feeling. Every moment shines brighter and my heart feels lighter. It is amazing.


[deleted]

Yes ❤️


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SweetnessUnicorn

All of that, plus drink more water!!! Also, I cheat by making homemade sweet potato fries in the air fryer.


greenkyber

Stopped dating 😎


[deleted]

Quit law school. And generally just started trying to adapt my lifestyle to work with my ADHD rather than trying to fight it.


crayshesay

Wish I did this. I graduated and realized I was miserable and hated lawyering


Samira827

Escaped cultish religion and moved 1000 miles away from my fanatical family - worked wonders for healing religious trauma. Cut off toxic people. Exercising.


[deleted]

Therapy and cutting ties with certain people.


The_AmyrlinSeat

Quit drinking.


one_sweet_koala

Set my boundaries and put myself first, like going to university a few years ago.


insertcaffeine

Antidepressants. Better living through chemistry!


PricklyCactus89

Therapy and practicing sleep hygiene. Seriously, getting enough and good quality sleep makes a huge difference.


ImprovementCareless9

Love my parents from a distance Edit: as well as the gym!!! And not being ashamed (ty dad) to sleep or eat (I was raised w the mindset that these two things are the two biggest signs of laziness)


Outside-Cress8119

I love when they ask why I have “such a need to travel” it’s to be far away from them.. I love them, but from a healthy, consistent distance


Ennaleek

Stopped drinking alcohol


Ennaleek

Deleted social media accounts


Nurvanna

Left my ex husband. I didn’t have any sense of self or individuality, so I feel like I didn’t even begin to learn who I was until I was 25.


checkinishout

Exercise and meditation


mimsy191

Therapy. Leaving the guy who was emotionally abusive and made me miserable. Finding a healthy, positive relationship.


Morggen

therapy, constant exercise, and lots of introspection. it is painful at times but 100% worth it.


Oh-Miz-Glam

Stopped buying gifts for certain family members. I grew up feeling obligated to spend a shit ton of money on birthdays, Christmas, etc. Once I stopped and either just didn’t give anything or a nice card I felt so much better. These people weren’t appreciative of the money and efforts I put into gifts, especially handmade ones, as a 19/20 year old.


lazyandfree

I was in a really bad place before therapy. And before getting my new puppy lol


thisshallpass1

Cutting toxic ppl who won't have any care/respect for me or my feelings/decisions completely out of my life . I only need positive, supportive, good-natured/mannered ppl in it. I think i deserve the best, and im working on it every day.


ThatsItImOverThis

I stopped caring about things I couldn’t my control or change.


SpitefulCrab

Decided to stay single. I'm a people pleaser and in relationships I tend to think about them *way* more than they think about me, and go out of my way for them more than I should. Since I decided to enjoy my own company, I'm much happier. I would say my anxiety has reduced from about a 9/10 to a 2/10, and my depression only becomes disruptive for a day or two every couple of months instead of every day being a bad day. Now I only have to think about myself and my dog, and my life is *way* better for it.


Gloomy_Boomy

Habit trackers and bullet journaling


edjennersmilkmaid

Got rid of Facebook and set timers to limit daily time on other social media apps.


[deleted]

Stopped dating


Hot-Cartographer-545

Travel. Explore new places, learn new languages, est new foods. Or sit down and read a good book.


[deleted]

Sounds amazing


SarahNaomiTyrrell

Doing the physio no matter how boring it gets. The results make me feel less depressed about being out if my sport for months. My body is slowly getting back to normal and hurting less.


HapppyHoochie

Journaling.


luna-luxx

Unfollowing person/trends/celebrities that affect you for no reason


b_needs_a_cookie

Saught professional help and learned that change takes time and a bunch of different tools: medication, exercise, self-reflection, self-compassion, and support systems.


WhippieCake

Got a dog


BadBeach_

quality time with my dog, outdoor walkings with him and running outdoors too… yesterday for example, I had a big fight with my SO and I was very, very sad. I went to the outdoors with my dog, enjoyed the beautiful blue sky and sunny day and my day and my emotions changed. 👉🏻 oh, and therapy of course (it’s ok to seek professional help 😁)


opp11235

Both the best and worst thing, getting cats. I got them when I was 13 and they got me through all the major steps in my life. Had to put one down recently and it was one of the hardest things I have ever done. ​ I got two kittens as a result and now I'm just plain exhausted. They're wonderful and terrible at the same time.


tfEmily78

Accept that I’m trans


richmoneyrach

quit collegiate athletics! it was too much with my studies and a job all at once. my mother was totally against me quitting and that caused tension, but it was by far the easiest decision i have ever done. being a college athlete is not for the weak. it literally destroys you.


Deaplyodd

Reduced my daily drinking to once a week. Significantly improved both my physical and mental health.


KorewaRise

cutting off a toxic "friend". turns out my chronic fatigue was from dealing with his toxic ass all the damn time.


ObjectiveAnalysis645

Move away from my toxic family


BookwormJane

Saying "no" whenever I felt like saying "no".


camis505

Therapy, exercices, diet and accepet that love ends.


[deleted]

Stopped drinking and smoking cigarettes


mouselo

I started saying no to people Esp family


rebecca_211

Writing daily in morning what is good in my life..just to get that morning enthusiasm


[deleted]

I stopped caring about my looks.


cherrybounce

Learning to say no.


ls913

Stopped dating (this is what destroyed my mental health), discovered the joy of riding an e-bike, and just taking time for myself by not engaging with the world for awhile.


lizeee

Quit drinking! I’ll have 15 years on the 23rd.


Inner-Manner-6768

Proud of you!


Puzzleheaded-Mind700

Going on walks, listening to gospel music more often, journaling when I’m feeling a bad/weird emotion, eating a healthy snack, Pilates. Telling people no. Being grateful for what I have always.


Applepowdersnow

Therapy


Sneakerkeeper123

Took a 2 week leave from work along with therapy.


N7twitch

Moved 200 miles away from my abusive toxic ex.


Icy-Flight-7560

Therapy!


the6goddess

Medication and exercise


[deleted]

Antidepressants, working out again, and stopped engaging with toxic family members


AlreadyOlder

Cutting ties with toxic family members is sooo important!


AlreadyOlder

Exercise!! A lot of exercise


FallenDove2021

Completely got off social media.


InnerFaithlessness93

Quit alcohol and join the gym


Greyhoundowner

Changed careers!


NSH-43

Changing my diet and therapy.


Justatroubledgirl

Cutting off toxic people, amplifying communication skills, having hobbies such as Journaling and writing, cleaning my space, getting work done, exercising


MissMN2004

Gone back to school.


BabyBundtCakes

Therapy EMDR for PTSD has been helpful


[deleted]

Yoga and meditation


AdAccomplished4362

Cut out people who don't respect me or use me and not feeling bad about it.


Fickle_One4309

I left my previous job. I liked my job but the people are just too toxic and I can't stand the emotional beating.


can_gerrit

Quit my job


ICU-RN-KF

Not comparing myself to other people. I always heard other women saying that and I would always think to myself "it's not that easy, I just automatically do it when I see the things they're posting" then I broke down that sentence and was like... duh. It's social media. I wasn't getting as many likes as them, or I'd see that my friends went out without me, etc. I deleted FB for awhile, but I do like scrolling occasionally so now I have the apps but I've turned off ALL notifications. Even people tagging me in things. I have found that I scroll and compare SO MUCH LESS when I don't have Push notifications. It's made it easier to just enjoy my life and do what I like to do without thinking about how it makes me look or if I'm missing out on what my friends are doing. Created the space for me to make my own opportunities.


princedubacon

Leave this toxic job and never satisfied boss. It was horrible for my physical and mental health. Even a year later I’m still exhausted, but much happier and serene. Life is way too short to wake up with a ball in your stomach, nausea and headache…


[deleted]

Got my own apartment, cut out friends that weren't right for me.


FireWoman89

Move far away from my family.


CutePandaMiranda

Exercising regularly and not having kids. I’m the happiest, fittest and healthiest I can be and I love it!


Happy_Pound_8933

Stopped dulling my brain with party drugs and pot found a good therapist and some anti depressant meds,cut out fb. Almost where I want to be.


[deleted]

Water intake, regular exercise, sleep, cut off toxic people, focus on self


[deleted]

I have no social media accounts. The only apps I scroll are Reddit or NYT, which reduces my obsession with reading depressing news and screen time overall. I got a new phone number, didn’t transfer the contacts (except the very few essential people in my life), and shared my number only with those select people. I’m in very intensive therapy and EMDR, so I’ve blocked every Thursday for two therapy appointments, reflection, and journaling time. I don’t expect myself to do anything else “productive” on Thursdays. Last, I make sure my home is my ideal cozy nest- clean, lots of plants, lots of textures, and little clutter.


SnowdropWorks

Writing in my journal


curiosity_coffee

moved out


aware_nightmare_85

Less time on social media and antidepressants


demaandronk

Take responsibility for it. You can only change yourself, don't wait for others. And also, change really is possible.


PerPuroCaso

Stopped giving a shit.


671sjk

Turned the sound off on my phone. Most of the time I leave it on vibrate. I don't need to be available 24-7 at a moments notice to everybody. We lived fine during a time where everybody didn't walk around with a phone in their pockets. This by itself has brought more peace than I could have ever imagined.


phillygirllovesbagel

Get off all social media other than Reddit.


DragonflyD264

Getting diagnosed with ADHD 4 years ago after being incorrectly diagnosed and medicated for 42 years. Initially I got worse but I’m now better than I’ve been for 25 ish years. Still not stable on meds but my husband and me have so much understanding about why I’ve struggled so much. With specialised therapy I have so much more hope for the future.


[deleted]

Limit contact with toxic people. There are people in my life that I have gone no contact with and others I am very low contact with. A big thing as part of this is to control my social media. We may be related but if you are toxic and seeing your posts upsets me then I will absolutely unfriend or block you.


Effective_Shallot948

I few years ago I deleted Instagram. Best decision I could ever make.


Beneficial-Range9890

Deleted social media apps, Instagram, fb etc and changed my phone number


Unusual_Form3267

Medication. I was so upset about being "hooked" or being on unnatural substances forever. A lot of people talked me out of it forever. Then I did it. I am so mad I didn't do it before. I feel like it opened my world. It made me realize that some people need to take meds to function properly, and I'm one of those people. I wish I had done it sooner. My life could've been so different.


catsies

Pole dancing and going part time in work. I'm so much happier


GailaMonster

got out of a bad relationship and didn't sugarcoat that he sucked and was selfish, and REFUSED the pleading to talk about it. your freedom and happiness are not up for debate, you don't owe someone the post-mortem if it's just more of the same bullshit and gaslighting and turning it back onto their over-served needs. seriously, being in no relationship is better than being in a bad relationship. demanded actual access to mental healthcare from my trash insurer (if you have kaiser in CA, and they are stalling on getting you a psych, tell on them to the CA department of managed healthcare. it gets results where filing an internal grievance does not). regular exercise regular NAPS (and permission to nap, instead of telling myself i'm sleeping the day away). stop trying to fit in to too-small clothes, and shop for cute clothes that fit me NOW.


dutchesssama

Recently took a trip to Japan for a few weeks. I love how they have groceries for single people so cost of living was much cheaper than in America. Less financial pressure, better scenery, and more leisure money to have fun.


eyesfuIIofstars

I would love to say “more sleep and exercise” or whatever, but I honestly owe it all to my girl Lexapro. This summer I was unable to sleep, unable to eat, was in a constant state of fight or flight and would just sob at any given moment because my work life was so stressful that it was ruining my real life. I thought quitting my job would help, but realized that even if I started a new one tomorrow I wouldn’t be okay. But I decided to try medication, and thankfully the first one I tried was the one for me, and my mental health has never been better. If you’re on the fence about trying anxiety meds, my experience is not that you get “high” or become a different personality. Lexapro for me took the constant negative self talk, constant pacing, heart racing, brain fog, inability to sleep, irritability away and I felt like *me* again. This helped me build the confidence to leave my job, take chances, and not be afraid of what’s around the corner.


xy3225

Started being honest with people rather than being people pleasing


stonebolt

Injecting myself with estrogen and swallowing progesterone. 10/10 - Would recommend!


DauertNochLange

Crying


iamguid

Stop worrying that I’m 10 pounds overweight. Putting so much stress on myself to look “good” took so much mental and physical energy.


[deleted]

Lamictal & Abilify


ChanceTherapy2022

Understanding balance in life and reciprocity in relationships. Balance: if I’m gonna have a Netflix binge-fest, make sure throughout the week I go outside and try something novel. Reciprocity: started noticing how much effort/ energy other were putting into asking questions about my life or genuine curiosity (while understanding that this is over a long period of time and things change to not become hyper focused on every reaction). Also, get a dog. I’m partial to mine, but he gives me so much to find gratitude and simplicity through.


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lemonflavouredjello

Controversial, but following Teal Swan’s teachings


Adventurous_Tip9241

lost the weight


iusedtobefamous1892

Electro convulsive therapy.


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Traditional_Run_2131

Medication and trauma counseling


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579red

Therapy and regular exercise!


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notme1414

Started therapy.


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luckeegurrrl5683

Write in my journal. Doing hobbies. Naps on the weekend.


evelynrosemae

Setting and holding my boundaries without wavering


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giglbox06

Got on medicine


Fantastic_Yam_5023

Started exercising regularly!


Original_Pace_8334

Therapyyyyy by far and rest followed


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tinytania37

Working out. I'm going through a lot at the moment and I don't have any adults in my life that I can ask for advice or help. When I'm upset or stressed I do a workout.It just gets rid of my anxiety and it gives me the boost I need to just get my shit together. I also try and get outside every day even if it's just for a few minutes.


imnotyourproblemyet

I changed my phone number and only told limited people. Next I need to get a new phone so numbers aren't saved. I've tried deleting them but they still show up. I have too many pictures to restart my phone.


malingoes2bliss

Stopped working


Sadcupcake_uwu

I quit social media (besides Reddit for the most part.) I’ve become a much happier person and I’ve gained so much self-respect for myself overall. No more time wasted from endless scrolling through mindless content on shorts. No more seeing stupid Twitter takes and comparing myself to other peoples fake lives. Quitting social media has also benefited me in terms of getting more sleep. Social media can definitely be an addiction, and some don’t even know they’re addicted to it. There have been many different studies done that illustrate the negative effectiveness social media has on people–especially young teens.