People Are Sharing Their Best Depression-Fighting Advice on Twitter
On Thursday, thousands of Twitter users flocked to the hashtag #HowIFightDepression to share their best tips for dealing with depression. The resulting conversation highlighted the importance of self-care and connection with others while providing new ideas for how to manage your mental health.
One of the core symptoms of depression is a loss of interest in things you used to enjoy. You may even feel like you’ve lost your identity and you’re just not yourself. Doing activities that keep you in touch with what you love when you’re able can be a useful skill to deal with depression symptoms. Twitter users posting using the #HowIFightDepression hashtag shared plenty of ideas for what helped them.
“I try to make something. A poem, a song, a story. Anything that allows me to shift into creative mode,” shared Shane Koyczan. “That helps me get through the worst of it. I think completing a thing gives me a sense of peace. When my heart is broken I make art with the pieces.”
I try to make something. A poem, a song, a story. Anything that allows me to shift into creative mode… that helps me get through the worst of it. I think completing a thing gives me a sense of peace. When my heart is broken I make art with the pieces. #HowIFightDepression
— Shane Koyczan (@Koyczan) June 19, 2019
I do whatever I need to to get through those dark times
if I need to sleep til 2pm I will
if I need to get out of the house I will
I take my medications
I talk to people who wont judge me
I switch my phone off and ignore the world
I play video games pic.twitter.com/VUZOOZXqRd
— Dani (@Danidinger) June 19, 2019
By helping others, talking about my struggles & doing what I feel is right is #HowIFightDepression.
— Russell Davis (@MrRussellDavis) June 19, 2019
Never keeping it a secret. Medication.
Taking its power very seriously. #HowIFightDepression— andy lassner (@andylassner) June 19, 2019
Other Twitter users shared activities like playing video games, making a gratitude list, writing, praying, spending time with loved ones and exercising have been helpful when they’re dealing with depression. Many also revealed therapy and medication are an important part of their mental health journey.
Here's #HowIFightDepression:
• Pray Rosary (Franciscan Crown)
• Fast
• Log off social media
• Turn off TV
• Call or meet friend
• Play with daughter
* Make gratitude list
• Do a good deed
• Clean
• Medication
• Therapy
• Write/Create something— Jeremy McLellan (@JeremyMcLellan) June 19, 2019
Maintain constant communication w/ my inner circle of friends
Meet with a therapist weekly
Go for a run a few times per week
Eat healthy
Read frequently
Put all my hopes & dreams in the hands of two guys from North Dakota and Cameroon, respectively#HowIFightDepression
— shamus (@shamus_clancy) June 19, 2019
Depression tells you lies. To combat those lies, I have learned to take care of myself:
-Exercise
-Therapy
-Music
-Medication
-Enough sleep
-Being open about it
-Supporting others who are also dealing with it— Courtney Ranstrom (@courtranstrom) June 19, 2019
Medication. Therapy. Exercise. Give myself one small task, and complete it; repeat the next day. Remind myself tons of others are fighting it too. #HowIFightDepression
— Jeremy (@cinemasins) June 19, 2019
I walk my dog. I take meds. I cry. I always look forward to tomorrow and spending time with my amazing wife. I surround myself with what I love the most. Everything else is trivial. #HowIFightDepression pic.twitter.com/N255FL9xaa
— Glen Canning (@GlenfordCanning) June 19, 2019
The #HowIFightDepression hashtag was also full of adorable furry faces of the pet companions who support their guardians’ mental health. For many who struggle, an animal can provide comfort and companionship. Plus, pets can also help when you have depression because animals keep you going, whether it’s taking your puppy for a walk or making sure the cat is fed.
“She knows when I’m feeling down, I dont know how but she always does,” Twitter user Janet said about her dog, Lily. “She rescued me!”
#HowIFightDepression – with Lily. She knows when I'm feeling down, I dont know how but she always does. She rescued me! ????❤????❤ pic.twitter.com/4gm4qa008o
— Janet (@JanTP8) June 19, 2019
#HowIFightDepression One day at a time. She helps… pic.twitter.com/1ajBgGGvUB
— Mike Stanton (@DepartmentEss) June 19, 2019
People on Twitter also used the #HowIFightDepression to share some hard truths about living with depression, and why it’s important to reach out for help.
“Remember that depression tells terrible lies,” Jenny Lawson tweeted. “They are so believable when I’m in that dark place, but whenever I crawl back out I can see clearly. You are so needed. Trust me.”
Remember that depression tells terrible lies. They are so believable when I'm in that dark place, but whever I crawl back out I can see clearly. You are so needed. Trust me. #HowIFightDepression
— Jenny Lawson (@TheBloggess) June 19, 2019
#HowIFightDepression – no matter how you do it, fight it. Remember that Depression is a liar – it takes real concerns & blows them out of proportion, obscures ability to see or believe in solutions, tells you ur stupid for even trying. Depression is a liar. Tell it to Fuck off.
— Ed the Sock (@EdtheSock) June 19, 2019
I felt like a loser at the time going to see a doctor. It saved my life.
Honestly, depression steals joy and makes you believe you are worthless.
You aren’t. I assure you. I’m glad I got adjusted.
I’m glad I found the courage for help. #HowIFightDepression
— Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) June 19, 2019
Twitter user Adam Koebel pointed out that depression isn’t always something you fight, but rather learn to cope with symptoms. Know that for depression, help is available, whether that’s reaching out to a professional or talking to people you love.
“You can’t fight it, that implies you can just win and it’s over,” Koebel tweeted. “Depression isn’t a combat scenario. It’s about developing tools to cope with it, live alongside it and not let it bring you down.”
#HowIFightDepression? I don’t. You can’t fight it, that implies you can just win and it’s over. Depression isn’t a combat scenario. It’s about developing tools to cope with it, live alongside it and not let it bring you down.
— adam koebel (@skinnyghost) June 19, 2019
One major theme throughout the conversation was the importance of remembering you are not fighting depression alone. There are others out there who get exactly what you’re going through. The fight against depression is stronger when we do it together.
“Having been down into the deepest pits of depression and having those who love me give me a ladder out, I hope to remember that the ladder exists – and to be there to extend the ladder to others,” Twitter user Neil said. “To remember there is always a way out. For me and others.”
Having been down into the deepest pits of depression and having those who love me give me a ladder out, I hope to remember that the ladder exists – and to be there to extend the ladder to others. To remember there is always a way out. For me and others. #HowIFightDepression
— Neil Before Zod™ (@ThatsMrNeil) June 19, 2019
To connect with a community that cares, head to our #CheckInWithMe page. There you can read stories and post a Mighty Thought or Question to give and get support.
If you’re struggling, know you are not alone and help is available. If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741741.
Renée Fabian was the features editor at The Mighty. She has also written for The Washington Post, VICE, Healthline, Talkspace, The Fix, The Establishment, The Culture Trip, and GRAMMY.com, among others. Renée was named a 2019 AHCJ Comparative Effectiveness Research fellow, a 2020 USC Center for Health Journalism California fellow, and holds a master's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California and a master's degree in psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. You can follow her on Twitter @ryfabian.
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