When really "down" ~ what really helps?

[Happywanabee]

I am sure many of us are familiar with the really, really down feeling when we seem to be not able to do anything, care about anything etc?  "£"
I feel I often have to drag myself out of this (eventually)....what can help you?
For me, it is my 3 little dogs, not sure where I would be without them. They are always happy, playing and delighted to see me, understand what I am saying ( ), make sure that I get out of the house most days even when I do not feel like going. They make me laugh and believe me that takes some doing recently.  *(*
I also love watching the birds in the garden at the bird table and the various feeders, they are a joy!
Many other hobbies hae fallen by the wayside and I seem to have lost interest in many things that I reviously enjoyed, anyone else relate to this?
Just wondered what helps you when you are really depressed?  ^&^

[Zaf]

Meditation and yoga if I can summon the energy xx

[Sweetpea]

For me it was my dogs, I had to get them out for walks etc.  Also My sister has been very good, she suffers to, so she would arrange to come and get me and we would go out for a walk or just a drive.  Otherwise I found it hard to leave the house.

S x x x x

[Munchroom]

My dog has been my rock too - they just seem to know when we need them, he has been a great listener and if I cry he is beside me in an instant! The only real downside is that he's grown very protective over me... even to the point where he has a little howl when my OH comes home from work and gives me a hug...

The thing I found hardest throughout my depression was my inability to read or write - two things that were my passions! I had no concentration so I would read the same paragraph over and over and not get anywhere, it was incredibly frusrating. But it does come back and so will your hobbies and interests too  :) I started drawing as some sort of release and I found that it really helped. xxx

[SuBee]

I live in the country and find walking helps, just the action of putting one foot in front of another!  It's a pretty area and safe as it can be so I don't mind walking alone though I have a local friend and we try to walk once a week. I try and keep up a good pace so it burns some calories.

Also I find knitting helps, it's the repetitive action of the fingers and hands that's soothing, plus it's creative so you actually end up with something!