How you battle the blues
Experts say exercise, living in the moment and connecting with others are the best ways to prevent mental illness. We asked ABC News Online readers how they cope with anxiety and depression.
- Read Cassie White's story here, then see what you had to say about it below...
@cassie_white breathe deeply, thought stopping, lie down, have something proper to eat (banana not chips, etc)
@cassie_white Mainly exercise, eating well, reassuring yourself it's a passing thing.
@cassie_white i try to keep busy or i start spending money on things on my car, keeps me happy.
@cassie_white yoga, music and quiet time to read. Doesn't take depressed feelings away but helps to make them bearable.
@cassie_white heavy drinking / substance abuse / video games. genuinely unsure whether it helps or hinders.
@cassie_white re:depression -If I get fed up for no reason I know it's only temporary, so say to myself "ignore this feeling, it will pass".
@cassie_white I also talk to family and friends to get perspective on the recurring, obsessive thoughts I'm plagued with.
@cassie_white I need to pay more attention to my personal needs - sleep, good food, exercise and time out.- @cassie_white I try to get a good night's sleep. I also make sure I'm eating well. I stay the hell away from caffeine and sugary stuff.
@cassie_white Exercise is the best. I always feel better after a run, no matter what I'm going through.
@cassie_white I like to find a nice quiet spot by myself and have a listen to music
@cassie_white reach out to people who really understand (not just say they do), retreat into a book, pare down commitments, ask for help
@cassie_white Depression/anxiety: sulk, coffee, bed, bad taste comedy, swearing. Sometimes, all at once.
@cassie_white @abcnews Though it may be a cause of circumstances in life, or imbalances in the body, happiness must still be a mental choice
@cassie_white medication AND counselling. Go for a walk, swim, call friends, hug a pet, play with a child, read. Facebook and/or Twitter.
@cassie_white Try and go out and see people/do things I know make me happy to stave off the down period. It only works sometimes though :-/
@cassie_white deal with depression via sex, exercise, screaming (in an isolated place!)
@cassie_white A key for anxiety is trying to NOT ignore it: allowing oneself to be uncomfortable until it passes. Otherwise it's perpetual.
@cassie_white I become withdrawn and take the time to analyse my thoughts and anxieties. I often find that writing them out helps.
