Thread by @iamharaldur

I have depression. It comes in waves and I can’t fully control it but I have noticed that my habits have a big impact.

Sharing in this thread with. List (in no particular order) in case it is helpful for anyone else and as a reminder for myself for later when I go off road.

A) I take medicine to fight the depression. Strongly recommend. Talk to your doctor for more information.

B) I wake up early. The earlier the better. Getting enough sleep is important but with depression your enemy is often too much sleep.

C) I don’t have many apps on my phone. I don’t have Slack or Gmail to make sure I check out of work.

I don’t have any video consumption apps (like Netflix, Hulu) because it’s too enticing to turn off your brain when it’s telling you to be sad.

C continued) I don’t have any social apps because they make consumption too easy.

When I want to post to Instagram I download the app, post and delete the app again. That way I’m not checking it frequently. I use Twitter on Safari and log out when I’m done posting.

D) I check NYTimes once every night. Other than that I don’t follow any news.

Staying informed is important but as with most other things I’m a junkie for news and it becomes a never ending rabbit hole.

E) I avoid sugar, dairy and wheat. It helps me keep my energy levels up through the day.

This has a major impact and when I slip it spirals fast.

F) I spend quality time with my wife and kids. Every Sunday I take my daughter (7yrs) out for a full day, just the two of us. I have a weekly date night with my wife where we go out. I send her random bowls of acai to make her happy. I have an Asana task that reminds me to do it.

G) I go out for a walk at least once a day for about 30 minutes. I leave my phone at the office.

Gives me time to think and appreciate the world.

I) I listen to about 2-3 audiobooks a week. Usually at night. Fiction makes me feel better than other types of book but I try to mix it up.

I often play chess on my phone while listening. I played when I was little and it calms me down.

J) I used to meditate daily for 20 mins with my daughter. Need to start that again. Huge bonding moment, sotting in silence with a seven year old. We leave calm and connected.

K) I make sure I have at least one ongoing thing at a time at work that I’m very excited about.

L) I do my best to give back. It’s not altruistic, it actually makes me feel better as well as put things in context to see how much I have.

M) I try to tackle things as they come up and not avoid the hard stuff.

Depression will trick you sometimes and let you think it’s better not to deal with anything. That works for a short amount of time and then everything gets worse.

Making a list and ticking things off helps

N) I stopped drinking 8 years ago. Depression and alcohol were very linked for me. Getting blackout drunk is a wonderful escape. But it only works for a few hours and leaves you worse than before.

O) I play video games but only with other people, never alone. I usually do this at work. Helps me unwind.

P) I say no. A lot. I can’t do everything for everyone.

That’s everything I can remember.

I slip up often and forget to do these things. But I know that when I follow this list I can feel a lot better than when I don’t.

Good night!

Frick! Typo in the first tweet.

Leaving It here even though it’s freaking me out,