I¡¯m not sure I¡¯m replying in the correct format, being on my phone, but I¡¯d like to share a few things that have helped us.
Exercise and outdoors are great and helpful, but when in a funk, they require effort and energy that may not be there. I¡¯ve actually been making conscious effort to do little things myself, the last week or so, because I can fall into a depression mindset. It always seems to be worse after sickness runs through our house.
I share that because your son may be able to get in front of it if he can start to recognize when it¡¯s worse. My daughter has started keeping a lose journal to help her figure out what makes hers worse, but more importantly, what makes it better.
A few things that have helped are things that require little or no real effort/participation. I know these may not all be helpful to a teen boy, but we have a large family, and there are things that have unexpectedly brought one person joy even though it was intended for someone else.
Favorite music, playing in the background is so simple.
Grabbing a drink, for me it¡¯s coffee, from Starbucks or soda from McDonalds.
Buy things to create your favorite drinks at home-bubble tea, coffees, shakes
Trying a new recipe (we eat, so might as well make it fun).
Sometimes we pick a country and try fun snacks from Amazon, drinks, recipes, crafts, etc from that country over a weekend. Don¡¯t expect him to participate in prep unless it¡¯s something he enjoys, but share with him.
Send cute or funny memes to each other.
Just *be* near him, without any expectations of interaction.
Open up the curtains to let as much natural light in as possible.
Grill out, even if it¡¯s chilly.
Favorite movies
Have fresh flowers in a vase
Happiness journal-verbal, mental, or written. Try to think of 2-3 things each day that made you happy.
Stretching. Not a big yoga session, but just stretching where you are.
Light scented candles throughout the house.
Hang up some different old pics on the fridge.
Drink water, with or without fruit added to give it a twist.
Having Fitbits have helped us to see progress in things like activity, water consumption, and sleep patterns even if minimal. Make sure to set the device to realistic goals though, or it can have the opposite effect.
Depression is tough. Keep being his safe landing ?
Warmly,
Sadie Bugni
