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Down in the Dumps: Whatcha do?

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  • adam
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    adam polycounter lvl 19
    When I'm "down", which hardly ever happens - I get angry more than I get mad - I go for a walk.

    Headphones: ON.
    Shoes: LACED UP REAL TIGHT.
    Go for a walk. Smell the air. Seriously, smell it. If you're in a rural area this time of year the tree's start to emit distinct smells that are just wonderful.
  • Justin Meisse
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    Justin Meisse polycounter lvl 18
    Sectaurs wrote: »
    i thought he was referring to Social Anxiety Disorder?

    holy crap, we're running out of acronyms
  • Jeremy-S
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    Jeremy-S polycounter lvl 11
    Without getting all Dr. Phil, I've come across some shitty times lately, and the things that have helped me out are having movie marathons. Like for the Asian Revenge Film thread I started a while back, I had a marathon of those. It takes your mind off of reality for a little while, and helps you not have to deal with lifes little bouts of BS. Also, Adam's right, a nice walk with headphones on, and it's just you and the music. Nothing else. That helps a LOT.

    I try to hit stoners in the face with a hammer, too that usually helps. Especially the self righteous ones that talk about how "great" pot is, and will go on and on about it's benefits. I like to give those guys special attention with hammers ;)
  • Mark Dygert
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    Escape.

    Yep, the sun is coming back and we're in for a few beautiful months where you can get outside and not be punished for wanting to be outside. I can't wait to go camping again. Instant funk-be-gone.

    Through the dark months, I do it in small ways, I get up early when everything is still quite and just bask in the dark silence, unplugged, disconnected not doing anything other than just letting my mind wonder. I know "life is too busy there is always something I need to be doing!"

    Really? You can't sit still for 20-30min without twitching or inventing something to do? Someone told me once that was meditation, I'm not sure I buy it, it seems like to meditate there are a whole host of things that you have to do, I just go blank and its great.

    Another way I escape is through books. Its easy enough to get sucked in and feel a sense of accomplishment as the story manages to unfold. This isn't a "I read a book I get a gold star" sense of accomplishment but being immersed in the struggles and trials that went on in the story you take those on and they become your own. There's something about reading and visualizing the story that connects me deeper than a game, a show or a movie.

    Also having a daughter has allowed me to be a kid again, there's a short window where the world is magical and everything is awesome, a dirt soccer field is a desert, the ceiling of a mall is amazing, and a small nature preserve trail is a gigantic jungle. Seeing the world through her eyes (again) is amazing. It's a little sad that I'll have to grow up again tho, which is probably why parents push for grandkids so hard? Someone said once that you can't go home again, I call BS, have kids its fuckin awesome, its also a headache setting boundaries and being a parent. But for me the more time I spend with her doing fun stuff the more likely she is to listen to reason and understand why the rules are what they are. So doing fun stuff makes the shitty part of parenting shrink... at least for me.

    But really I think the cure for "down in the dumps" is to fill your schedule up. Preferably with things that don't induce worry or stress. Nothing worse for me than the feeling of plunking down in front of the computer with nothing to do and all the time in the world to do it. Always having a project or something you can pick up and work on is great.
  • Andreas
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    Andreas polycounter lvl 11
    For you 'walkers', dontcha just find that you think about the problem while your out walking? I tend to remember why Im out walking in the first place, headphones or no.
  • iconoplast
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    iconoplast polycounter lvl 13
    Someone told me once that was meditation, I'm not sure I buy it, it seems like to meditate there are a whole host of things that you have to do, I just go blank and its great.
    Nope, that's meditation. Some people just need the host of things in order to be able to go blank. Some don't, but it still counts.

    I tend to go for meditation, video games, or ranting at a close/sympathetic friend. Games are good for the angrier side of things as I can take the aggression out on pixels, ranting is best for frustration, and meditation works best for me when I need something soothing. Good comedy can help a lot too.
  • Joshua Stubbles
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    Joshua Stubbles polycounter lvl 19
    holy crap, we're running out of acronyms

    Haha, what did you think S.A.D was? (especially since I wrote about having social anxiety disorder).

    I personally don't get the whole "grey skies make me sad" bit. Bright sunny days make the world look like a cartoon. When it's overcast you see the real colors of the environment and I love that. It makes me happy. Guess I'm in the minority there.

    Though like Vig, I fuggin love camping. Getting away from everything, even cell phones, is simply awesome. Camp fire, roasted meat, beer, good company and a great book. Can't be beat.
  • Justin Meisse
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    Justin Meisse polycounter lvl 18
    SAD - Seasonal affective disorder

    probably depends on the environment you are used to, I grew up in Florida - the proximity to the equator meant the day lengths don't fluctuate as much and all winter meant was time to put on pants. Since moving to New England I really feel like the horrible winters has seriously reduced my quality of life.
  • Kovac
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    Kovac polycounter lvl 18
    Get a dog... then go camping with him.

    SAD? I've always known it as cabin fever. Winter gets you too excited for it early in you're tapped out by the end of January. Thank goodness that shit is ending now, I was getting really bored this season.
  • Makkon
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    Makkon polycounter
    See my signature. Happiness is a choice. :)
  • Justin Meisse
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    Justin Meisse polycounter lvl 18
    Kovac wrote: »
    Get a dog... then go camping with him.

    SAD? I've always known it as cabin fever. Winter gets you too excited for it early in you're tapped out by the end of January. Thank goodness that shit is ending now, I was getting really bored this season.

    yeah, it's just the fancy pants acronym researchers came up with, it's thought to be linked with reduced vitamin D levels
  • Two Listen
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    Two Listen polycount sponsor
    adam wrote: »
    I get angry more than I get mad

    I want this to be on one of those Glad wrap commercials. "Don't get mad, get angry."

    Which I guess wouldn't help them tie in their brand name, but who cares.
  • maze
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    SAD - Seasonal affective disorder

    probably depends on the environment you are used to, I grew up in Florida - the proximity to the equator meant the day lengths don't fluctuate as much and all winter meant was time to put on pants. Since moving to New England I really feel like the horrible winters has seriously reduced my quality of life.


    yeah being far from the sea sucks sometimes!!! I understand you...
    I used to live close to those buildings near the cliff... got a skatepark in the cliff too and bike down to surf almost daily before school.... never depressed.... but finding a job sucks there! haha so its one for another I guess....haha

    costa_evrde_de_lima.jpg
  • Mark Dygert
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    I personally don't get the whole "grey skies make me sad" bit.
    Yea I love the cloudy days when its warm enough to run around in shorts. I like the summer months not really for the direct sun light, but more for the lack of wet and cold. Being a fair skinned Norsky that burns instead of tanning, the sun and I don't always get a long. Already had 3 really bad burns and I don't need any more.

    Also cloudy warm days where it stays light until 9-10pm are prefect for material hunting.
  • Stromberg90
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    Stromberg90 polycounter lvl 11
    I second winter depresion, I live in Norway and we have pretty harsh vinters compared to many other places.... and meters of snow and dark days don't get me exited.

    But as long as you got gooc friends and something to do it works out :)
  • seforin
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    seforin polycounter lvl 17
    Josh, mark.......

    I can answer the gray skys question in one simple answer....

    I USE TO BE BROWN!
  • TheMadArtist
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    TheMadArtist polycounter lvl 12
    I go play pool. Most of my friends are up there on any given night, I get great service since I'm a regular, I can have a few beers, a few laughs, and work on my pool game at the same time. Either that or I chill with my brother, just invite him over, order a pizza, have some beers and relax.

    Just do something that doesn't require a computer.
  • Entity
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    Entity polycounter lvl 18
    depression meds :)
  • Zipfinator
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    Zipfinator polycounter lvl 9
    SAD - Seasonal affective disorder

    probably depends on the environment you are used to, I grew up in Florida - the proximity to the equator meant the day lengths don't fluctuate as much and all winter meant was time to put on pants. Since moving to New England I really feel like the horrible winters has seriously reduced my quality of life.

    Horrible winters? They are fancy winters! Yes, I live in Bellevue now where the winter wasn't that bad, but I lived near Chicago for 17 years and there was a lot of winterness there. The only time I really didn't like it much was when in February it was like -10 degrees and it was just ice everywhere. No one likes you in February Winter! Come back for Christmas!

    Also why am I the only one who likes tasty treats?
  • Vrav
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    Vrav polycounter lvl 11
    I do love me some cookies and tea.
  • crazyfool
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    crazyfool polycounter lvl 13
    I like to write down whatevers worrying me and then come up with a solution. I find it like when you are designing and you just gotta get those initial ideas out of your mind on paper before the good ones start rolling in. Sort of empties your head :) Best medicine is moaning at people though and making them listen to your crap :D

    basketballs been a god send to me recently aswell :) been a tad stressed recently haha
  • Skamberin
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    Skamberin polycounter lvl 14
    crazyfool wrote: »
    I like to write down whatevers worrying me and then come up with a solution. I find it like when you are designing and you just gotta get those initial ideas out of your mind on paper before the good ones start rolling in. Sort of empties your head :) Best medicine is moaning at people though and making them listen to your crap :D

    basketballs been a god send to me recently aswell :) been a tad stressed recently haha
    Thats.. actually a very good idea, making your problem into a game you have to complete and whatnot. Sounds fun :D
  • oXYnary
  • fmnoor
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    fmnoor polycounter lvl 17
    I usually turn to the depression_ebook twitter spam bot for advice: http://twitter.com/#!/DepressionBook/status/44994822116868096
  • ebagg
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    ebagg polycounter lvl 17
    It's probably time to change things up and try something new. Signing up for all these Groupon style deal sites will introduce you to new places, I get bombarded with emails from them for insane deals on hotels, restaurants, gyms, various outdoor activities, etc. Plus it'll connect you with new people, and making new friends to hang with is always fun.

    Exercise, diet and educating yourself with some good books or classes help stimulate your mind and body... the more you take care of those two the better you'll feel and the less prone you'll be to depression.

    I doubt drugs, entertainment or sex is a good long term solution if you're depressed long term, seems like it'd just lead to addiction and forming new bad habits.
  • Mezz
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    Mezz polycounter lvl 8
    Andreas wrote: »
    For you 'walkers', dontcha just find that you think about the problem while your out walking? I tend to remember why Im out walking in the first place, headphones or no.

    Personally, I find it's a more theraputic way of going over my thoughts. If I think and worry about what's bugging me while laying around, it'll feel like it's growing and getting worse. If I'm busier while I'm thinking, getting exercise, fresh air to clear my mind... my thoughts are a lot more calm and positive, and I can deal with them better.
  • Geezus
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    Geezus mod
    I had stayed away from this, but it seems to be popular.

    As cliche as it may sound... you just have to keep on keepin' on. You decide whether or not your happy, not a random series of events. Just get out of your own head and keep on truckin'! It really is that simple.
  • jimmypopali
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    Geezus wrote: »
    I had stayed away from this, but it seems to be popular.

    As cliche as it may sound... you just have to keep on keepin' on. You decide whether or not your happy, not a random series of events. Just get out of your own head and keep on truckin'! It really is that simple.

    I think I agree on this. But it differs from person to person. It's the whole 'how you see certain situations'. Do you get a positive or a negative out of it and how it affects you and how you deal with it.
  • Wells
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    Wells polycounter lvl 18
    I've found that alcohol works far better than any medication at relieving my depression.

    drink up :)
  • D4V1DC
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    D4V1DC polycounter lvl 18
    Go to a bar a little further from home (with a good way to get back) by yourself or with a trust worthy friend so if you make a fool of yourself your alright (for the most part) get good find a group of girls and start chatting away at the prettiest one, why? Cause your almost drunk and don't care. :)
    (first version was get drunk find a chick whip It out and hope for the best if all works well you get some if not you have something bigger to worry about, then being depressed.
    ;)

    In all seriousness, walking, gym, drinking, music, pron.porn.&.sex. take yourself out to a movie/mall/anything, friends, close family to talk to, swimming, cook/order your favorite meal, watch your favorite movie, sit outside enjoying the weather, I like any day raining or sunny so I'm alright there, read some polycount posts, these guys are funny!
    Though this is all what others have said but It's the basics we all do but I have to re-mention the thinking of how well off you are than others.

    Like take this situation, my ex-girl friends father just died today! & he was the soul provider for 3 families, his, his sons, & her + her sons they are in a bad position right now, doubt he had insurance.

    Drink up indeed!
  • Lamont
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    Lamont polycounter lvl 15
    I wake up and I am awesome. Now I realize this may be a problem for some because you're not me. So, being the awesome person I am, I made a mask. Feel free to print me out and use when you don't feel your best. Just don't go out robbing banks and shit.
    icon_LamontGMask.jpg
  • oXYnary
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    oXYnary polycounter lvl 18
    Lamont wrote: »
    I wake up and I am awesome. Now I realize this may be a problem for some because you're not me. So, being the awesome person I am, I made a mask. Feel free to print me out and use when you don't feel your best. Just don't go out robbing banks and shit.
    icon_LamontGMask.jpg

    WIN!

    3684957625_3a15c439fc.jpg
  • Ace-Angel
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    Ace-Angel polycounter lvl 12
    I just sit home all day, watching porn and playing with the twins.

    I call them John and Cloud (Wang and Damn)
  • Xoliul
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    Xoliul polycounter lvl 14
    what kind of bike do you have?

    Suzuki Bandit 600, here's some pics from last week: http://www.bikepics.com/members/Prodigital/00gsf600s/Default.asp (that was a fun photoshoot lol)
  • Andreas
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    Andreas polycounter lvl 11
    A disturbing amount of you resort to masturbation to deal with the sads :/ :P
  • aajohnny
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    aajohnny polycounter lvl 13
    Hanging out with friends... or better yet play video games...that's what I do. Playing co-op games with my friends are probably the most fun.
  • crazyfingers
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    crazyfingers polycounter lvl 10
    Polycount's advice for when you're on a downer: Get drunk, put on a Lamont mask, go out with friends, masturbate.

    Result: You're wanted in several cities, Lamont. Cheers!

    [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8ufRnf2Exc[/ame]
  • EmAr
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    EmAr polycounter lvl 18
    I get out and run. Then I come home and drink. That's what I'll do today too even though I'm not that bad. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.
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