Can picking up a hobby help someone deal and overcome depression?

5 Responses to “Can picking up a hobby help someone deal and overcome depression?”

1. cowgirl_71023 Says:
   October 5th, 2009 at 8:21 pm

   OH definitly I know it would Ive been there
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2. ♫►Phillipians 4:13◄♫ Says:
   October 5th, 2009 at 8:29 pm

   Absolutely.
   Transfer the thoughts and feelings of sadness and despair towards the hobby, "out of sight out of mind".
   References :

3. stargazer Says:
   October 5th, 2009 at 8:34 pm

   You bet! It’s one of the best things you can do! I don’t know of any shrink that wouldn’t support that. People ofen make a career out of a hobby. It can get you out of your own head for a while, instead of having bad stuff rattling around your head all the time. Works for me…
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4. PJ Says:
   October 5th, 2009 at 8:44 pm

   Yes, it is a nice distraction from things that are bothering you. It can give you a sense of accomplishment.

   Exercise is also a big help. Exercise changed everything for me. I have never felt so happy or content in my life. I exercise about an hour a day 5 days a week. It burns up energy you would otherwise use to worry, stew and fret.
   References :

5. kikimcspoon Says:
   October 5th, 2009 at 9:31 pm

   Yes absolutely. I have had depression (well bipolar disorder, which included long periods of depression) and when I began to knit (!!!) (honestly!), things seemed to get better. I still have periods of misery and feeling I can’t be bothered to do anything, but if I can create something simple and beautiful fairly quickly, it’s very satisfying and really can make a difference. Also gardening has helped me a lot. When I have been in hospital in the past, I’ve been "made" to take part in occupational therapy groups, and I can honestly say gardening really helped me and I saw it help many other people. Being outside, making something grow, it’s really good for the soul. Also, getting 20 minutes of daylight a day (minimum), is essential for good health (vitamin D etc!) I know moving and exercise can be very helpful in producing endorphins and raising the body’s serotonin levels naturally, so I guess walking, dance or any sport would be beneficial. Some people swear by yoga, but personally I’ve found it to be too slow and tedious for my taste! I think some hobbies that encourage human contact are beneficial in themselves, relationships are important, as is talking, to recovery and general enjoyment of life. Hobbies that isolate you may be best avoided, if being alone makes things worse. But in my experience, knitting was one of the best things to happen to me!

   I know all these things can and do help people, but if you’re in the midst of a depressive illness, it can be hard or impossible to force yourself to do ordinary things like wash, dress and eat, let alone take up a hobby or find out about dance classes or go for a walk. The only way through is to persevere and struggle and get help, and then try a hobby, which can change things for the better hopefully. It’s easier with someone to help you, and support can come from all sorts of places, your doctor, family and friends, local community centers, hospitals or even the internet!

   A final note, voluntary work, though not exactly a hobby, can really change your life for the better. It’s a great idea to try something, just for a couple of hours a week, to give a new perspective and meaning to life. Good luck to all with depression, may you overcome it xxx
   References :
   http://www.stitchlinks.com/ good stuff on knitting, stitching and crafts and how they can heal and help.

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