Feel-Good Things to Do when You Feel Depressed

There are times when people feel down or temporarily depressed because of some life-changing event. Some people frequently travel or relocate and just feel lonely. Some people suffer a set back in their health or get frustrated with the normal aging process that can lead to depression.

Others have news about a friend or loved one becoming ill or experiencing a tragic event. There are times when just the nightly news makes you depressed and you want to just curl up in your bedroom and watch a good comedy.

Temporary bouts of depression can happen when your body goes through hormone changes. Menopause, having a baby, surgery, puberty, and taking medications can dramatically affect your hormones, feelings, and emotions. 14% of the population has some depression as a result of decreased sunlight in the winter months.

Seasonal affective-type disorder (SAD), affects children during spring and fall seasons, and coincides with light and dark changes during solstice time. Whatever the case may be, we all have those times when we are just not feeling up to par.

Here are some ideas for feel-good things to do when you feel depressed. It is amazing how doing something for others will lift your spirits.

Write a pen pal letter to a service member stationed overseas. If you can afford it, send a care package to troops overseas.

Adopt a pen pal orphaned child in Africa or your favorite country. Adopt an orphan here in America and write them letters. Join Big Brothers/Big Sisters and take a child to the zoo. Offer to take a disadvantaged family from your child's school on an outing.

Visit a nursing home to read books, sing, or play a musical concert for patients and residents. Take a nursing home resident for a walk in the courtyard area. Share pictures with them that they can use to decorate their room. Help them write a letter to a loved one.