To keep this short – I have been diagnosed as clinically depressed, also with severe generalized anxiety (trait anxiety was off the charts but my state anxiety was normal), also ADHD predominance in attention deficit, (although my therapist suspects this is due to the GAD).
I’m going to be starting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy soon as I don’t like taking medication for anything.
I would like a hobby that could keep me busy during the summer. I am a training Powerlifter, so I work out 5 days a week, sometimes up to 3 times a day.
(Not all weights of course, can’t over train, but for example it will be like – Weight lifting in the morning, cardio afterwards, then something fun like biking, skateboarding or just walking around the park later in the day).
I like to stay busy, it distracts me from thinking or worrying too much. School helps me stay busy too.
I was just wondering what little hobbies you guys may have had that helped you keep your hands busy, help with the depression.
For example I was thinking maybe taking a class at a local community college (I’m a senior in HS, getting ready to go to a UNI in the fall but I’ve previously enrolled in CC in the past). I was thinking a class like carpentry, masonry, welding or something. Something for my hands. Something I could build and take with me.
I’ve already done an art class, and I really hate drawing/painting anything like that.
So yeah, appreciated, and I’ll actually pick a best answer lol.
Thanks for so many responses, I’m actually pretty surprised!
To the guy who said Cognitive Behavior Therapy is horse shit – Some people are into popping any kind of pills and some people aren’t.
I like living a healthy lifestyle without medication if I can help it. I’d rather try a method that involves truly curing the problem or learning to cope/deal with it instead of masking it with a pill.
I’m not just depressed because I just am, I have reasons why, and I need to confront and deal with these reasons, just in the meantime I’d like to find way to keep my hands and mind busy.
I have tried some meds before and they’ve all made me feel like sh!t and worst of all, they suck me dry of life that I can’t even powerlift anymore, much less eat (Adderall). It’s just not worth it to me. I need to find a healthier more natural way.
Utu
May 30, 2010 at 1:10 am
Make chaine maile. There are dozens of how to websites it keeps the hands busy and doesn’t take too much concentration, I do it while watching tv.
kytteneyes
May 30, 2010 at 2:02 am
try a jig saw puzzle
Carl P
May 30, 2010 at 2:28 am
Woodworking. Any kind, but try building a dollhouse with all the room and electrics. Makes a nice gift for younger family members if it comes out right.
Photography:
Nice as it get you outdoors and lots of options for types of images to shoot.
Rich
May 30, 2010 at 3:17 am
I think you don’t understand what your illness means. It means you cannot possibly enjoy anything you do no matter what.
I myself have the similar problems as you do. I take the medication my doctor gives me. It makes me not depressed. Although they have side effects, my quality of life is overall better. I just focus on getting good grades in UNI (which I am at), getting money, and having sex with as many girls as possible.
I used to not be able to get out of bed and now I excel at all of these things. I don’t see anything wrong with it. I’m happy and enjoying life. I don’t understand why you don’t just take the meds…Cognative therapy is total horsesh!t. It’s not going to work.
Soup
May 30, 2010 at 3:29 am
Cooking is always a good option. It’s active, it’s not boring/repetitive and produces something worthwhile. Woodwork/metalwork is also not a bad idea.
saynotobumparents
May 30, 2010 at 4:07 am
Your life seems well balanced in the hobbies area. Just choose something that you would find interesting and you can get lost in. Maybe try getting a holistic theraputic massage once a week to relax. Try Deep Breathing Exercises or Yoga or Meditation Classes to learn to relax. And a nice relaxing soak in a hot pool or swimming pool. Maybe learn Latin American dancing or Jazz dance or modern dance. There are also pottery classes. Metal work would be great as you could make those Crystal ball illusion mobiles and sell them at Arts and Craft Market days, or on the internet. At the end of the day just listen to what everyone says and make up your own mind!
http://www.depressiondodging.com
http://www.dailystrength.org
http://www.whoyouwant2be.org/help/
http://www.altmedicine.about.com
http://www.allexperts.com
http://www.add-treatment.com/natural-remedies-for-adhd.html