Depression is hard. It's even harder in quarantine, when social isolation intensifies symptoms of anxiety and depression. Today, I received a note from a very good friend of mine, saying that they don't know how much longer they can live like this. The desperation for contact, and the overwhelming change in work and school schedules, has been piling up on lots of people, but for some like my friend, it even causes suicidal thoughts.

You are not alone in this feeling.

I want to share with you some things you can do on an awful day. You can do one, some, all, or none of these. The most important thing is that you are kind to yourself, because you're living through a world crisis with no clear end date. If all you need is to talk to somebody, know that there is a crisis center willing to help you via phone or chat right now: details below. Now here's what you can do to ease a down day:

1. Go for a walk-- to the mailbox is fine!
2. Tour a museum virtually
3. Cuddle your pet
4. Drink cocoa-- or tea, coffee, etc.
5. Treat yourself to a snack
6. Take a long shower-- you don't have to wash
7. Re-watch your guilty pleasure movie
8. Have a long gaming session
9. Revisit a childhood favorite book
10. Write it all out-- if you feel it, put it on paper. No one will know!

For more information on a crisis line if you need immediate assistance, visit suicide.org for updated information about who you can call. Be well, and I hope you feel better soon.

Photo: Pixabay