>> Why We Have This Emotion
Depression can help us conserve energy after a loss or failure. It prompts us to withdraw to reassess our goals, avoid wasted effort, and seek support or safer strategies.
◎ What to do in the moment
Good Ideas
- Thoughts of self-harm? Seek help
- "This feeling will eventually shift"
- Ask a friend, "can we talk?"
- Keep a consistent sleep routine
- Take a walk, notice surroundings
- Do one tiny, doable task today
- Break goals into small next steps
Bad Ideas
- Withdraw completely from everyone
- Skip meals, ignore physical needs
- Shame yourself into "cheering up"
- Make huge life decisions while low
- Pretend that everything's fine
- Overwork to outrun your emotions
- Believe nothing will ever improve