Re: depression, not OCD— Any fellow depression-sufferers, I’ve been having a really hard time at work with negative thoughts (“You’re horrible in all these ways—“ “the world sucks” etc.). I work alone, manual labor, and get overstimulated if I use constant audio to drown out the thoughts. It’s worse in the afternoon. Any ideas on how to cope? How did you handle this? Thanks.

I’m not sure if I’m clinically depressed right now, but since it’s a reoccurring/chronic beast I live with, it’s still a part of my general health about which I always check-in. Actually, my OCD sometimes hints that it’s coming back by switching intrusive images to be way more violent and disturbing. (Whereas the amount of occurance of the images increases with just an OCD flare up.) I wish I had more ideas for coping, but I think the biggest thing is to just keep on keeping on. Push yourself a little. Keep your regular schedule as much as possible. (Art class is excellent!) Do nice little things for yourself. (I would sometimes just put on makeup or a nice outfit, even just at home, to feel more confident.) Go on walks; they don’t need to be strenuous. Snuggle all the dogs you can. Know we all care. 💜

Man. I just don’t feel well right now 😞

I don't have any advice. I agree with others here that sometimes you just have to keep pressing on. How are you feeling this morning?

On the CBT note, I use an app called thought journal. It really walks you through thought challenging. Sometimes when you are depressed though it's hard to start helping yourself or do much of anything. Have you considered journalling before bed?