What do you do when you start to feel yourself sliding into depression over the world?...

[qwlauren35]

31. Music

I find that upbeat, fun, funky music helps get me through a lot of things.

Next, hugs. I am bipolar and can experience deep depression. Being in my husband's arms is the most comforting place in the world. If you can, find someone you can give hugs to and get hugs from. Sex is nice, but hugs are special.

Next - letting my dog lick my face. Just sitting and petting my dog is a very peaceful experience and I recommend it. Some people might find that same peace from holding babies, but babies can cry, so I'll take a dog. Much less complicated. Stroking a cat and listening to it purr can also be very fulfilling. On top of everything else about it, you know that you are making someone else happy by doing something very simple. It's a rush, to be able to make someone else happy.

I have thought of re-subscribing to an SGI Buddhist newspaper, The World Tribune, just because almost every single story is about how someone turned his or her life around. I'm not an SGI Buddhist any more, but my memories of the paper are very fond.

I am a diarist and have kept journals for over 30 years. Pouring my soul out in words helps me sometimes.

Call someone out of the blue and rekindle a friendship. Focus on listening so that you don't pull them down. Or be prepared to tell them everything good you can think of in your life. In fact, it's good to have a list that you keep of everything good in your life, so that you remember.

Those are my ideas...