Depression and Anxiety: What works for you?

A massive congratulations on your sobriety!!!! You should be ever so proud of yourself and I send you the most positive vibes on continuing that success.

Things that help me:

1. Going to bed on time (My wife takes computer mouse and remote controls so that I don't stay up)
2. Exercise (treat it like medication)
3. Meditation (treat it like medication)
4. Quitting coffee

I have also started trying meds to see if that helps.

Regular bedtimes, workouts and eating regularly but healthily.
Staying in a less-stressful job with understanding boss.

BRAVO! BRAAAAAVO!! And happy Anniversary! This is the best thing you could have ever done for yourself.
Exercise is your best friend when fighting depression. Get those endorphins going in your brain for a natural high!
And don't sweat the small stuff in life. It ain't nuthin' but a "Thang"!

Congratulations! That's a massive accomplishment. I suffer from anxiety and insomnia, and typically I can manage it with a regular exercise routine, good sleep hygiene, generally being aware of my own mental health status and intervening if things start to get worse by using various coping or wellness tools - things like mindfulness exercises, yoga, going for extra walks, spending time sitting outside in the sun, writing letters to or talking with family/friends, spending time with pets, engaging in hobbies like playing video games or cooking - basically, finding ways to structure my time so I don't find myself with nothing to do, when I woumd be more likely to dwell on negative thinking. Generally just being aware enough of my mental status to intervene immediately to keep an even keel. That being said, I'm experiencing very high levels of work stress lately and have had to take some measures to compartmentalize work and personal life, but I'm also considering going back on anti-anxiety and anti-insomnia medication. I have taken vistaril in the past, and while it helped I think I will investigate other options.

The single most important factor in managing my mental health is a consistent and challenging fitness routine. It improves every other aspect of my life, from better sleep to massively improved self-worth.

I’ve found that exercising has been a good outlet. Also I’d rather eat good food than waste my calories on alcohol. Depression and anxiety is hard to deal with but I’m glad you’re pushing through. My therapist said find a hobby, I guess mine is running now

Congrats on your sobriety!! That is major, as you know!

I have struggled with generalized anxiety disorder since I was a young child and still do at 41. I've also had depression on and off throughout my teens and adult life. I've gone to a couple of therapists through the years but haven't done meds (not that there's anything wrong with that). I feel that some therapists/counselors are a much better fit than others so mileage varies. Overall, it's helped me mainly to feel justified & heard, like "yes, I have an anxiety disorder, I'm not just whiny & crazy, and it's a common thing I can deal with".

I am afraid I'll mostly just echo others' responses in saying that routines and physical activity help my anxiety very much. I take fish oil daily on my last therapist's recommendation. I also have a less stressful job than some of my past jobs (which for me contributed to weight loss as well, as I would stress-eat A LOT in my most high-stress job).

Most of all for me it's SELF CARE that gets me through. I know a lot of it's really common sense but I'd urge you to just search "self care skills" or "self care habits" for ideas. What helps one person immensely may not have much affect on another. For me the #1 thing that helps me is taking a hot bath for about 40 minutes every single morning to soothe myself and get clean in the process.

Both work for me.
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