Asklemmy

@QuietStorm
Group activities. People who are depressed should endeavor to be around people even if it is not what they want. Loneliness in a depressed person will turn to self loathing. Playing card games and board games with friends is a great activity because it forces you to be socially active and think about something other than what is depressing you.

Uninstall/disable the YouTube app. Trust me you will be a happier person

I picked up plants when I got depressed. Not only are they cool, but it is nice seeing something grow and nurtured. Plus, I learned that there isn't enough sunlight in my home which contributed to my depression.

The only thing I recommend is not to get a hard starter plant like calathea/goeppertia but like a spider plant. Really cool seeing them explode with growth!

Ultimate Frisbee

Go swimming in the sea

Physical hobbies like sports are very good, I went to a "martial arts club" for 2 years to train boxing. They shut down the boxing part of the gym during COVID and never started back up. So naturally I started singing. I had been singing in my car to and from work for almost 2 years at the time, so when COVID hit I started singing much more. Now Im in a choir and Ive been part of 2 concerts. You always have your voice with you so its easy to just put on some music and practise. I was still quite depressed so I got a dog, even though Im allergic, and have just gotten into university to get a degree in something completely different from my previous job. I feel amazing these days.

Dancing. There were dark times in my life where the dance practice was the highlight of the week. You get to know people too and when you choose a style of music you like it's almost impossible to feel bad. I know of people I met there who need it as well to stay positive.

Also it's physical and mental exercise in one. Perfect.

Meditation.

It's been shown to be a very effective remedy for depression. It's also a useful tool for getting in control of your mind. If you meditate regularly, you'll find more enjoyment in the things you're already doing.

Also, since it's just you and your thoughts, you may discover something you're interested in and find a hobby that way.

Whenever I feel this way, which is often, I tinker with my homelab or play music. Oftentimes I don't feel to motivation to, but I know once I start I'll get sucked right in.

Learn programming?

How do you feel about finding things difficult and failure? Because that's really important to consider when thinking of suggestions. It also depends how dedicated or how hard you are on yourself.

Since you mentioned that you want to create something to share, then art of any kind, including music, is what I'd suggest too. Pour yourself into whatever art or music you are creating and it will turn out well. The key word there is "creating." Art and music, when you are creating it, forces you into the present. There's no room for you to wonder out into the past or the future, which don't exist except in your head. Art forces you into the present and the present moment is the only place you will find peace, joy, creativity, and love.

Making something. I'm taking lessons on metalworking, and it's really satisfying to have something that I made which can be useful in my daily life.

Try martial arts.

Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.

I say martial arts because it sounds like you're having trouble being self-directed and finding motivation. I also have trouble being self-directed. I don't go to the gym because I get there and I'm overwhelmed by the options and don't know how to use the machines and get really self-conscious about everything. I don't like outside sports because I live where it's hot. Martial arts classes are set up to teach you in structured lessons, with instructors to plan what you're gonna do and keep you motivated.

Plus, you get to hit stuff.

but im probably dreaming too big

No you're not. You underestimate yourself. There is not "too big" when it comes to having a hobby. You don't need to prove anything, just do something you enjoy and that makes you feel good about yourself. The difficult part is getting out of the house, not the actual activity. I won't recommend anything specific here because lots of people in this thread have already, and also the activity does not really matter, only that you do something that engages you.

Honestly winemaking and brewing are great for depression. Can't find the willpower to take care of it for two weeks? That's fine! It's just aging, you can do the next step whenever you feel like it. And then you get to share and everyone is pressured to say nice things, it's great.

Sports outdoors with other people

Anything creative, as a lot of people have suggested. It's highly satisfying to see a finished product you crafted yourself. And they really make you get in the zone and hyperfocus.

Scrapbooking is a good one. Sift through your photos, find some that bring back good memories and get them printed. Invest in a small spiral bound scrapbook, some acid-free coloured paper and decorations (you can get these from poundshops/dollar stores). Look at other people's scrapbooks online and shamelessly copy their designs until you can come up with your own.

Maybe you could even make some for the people you care about. Added bonus of being able to go over good memories with them. Maybe you can bring a smile to both of your faces.

Another cute one is making models out of greyboard (the grey cardboard on the back of refill pads).

Best of luck, I hope you feel better soon!

I play a video game (usually a retro one) on a low difficulty level. Then beat the computer over and over again. Bonus points if it’s a game I usually avoid because it’s too hard.

Gives a constant feeling of satisfaction at beating the computer over and over.

I have started to knit. I usually will watch TV or listen to a podcast and as I become better, I try more complex projects that force me to put more thought in what I'm doing.

I started out not doing anything specific, basically different lengths of squares and rectangles, because I also struggle with motivation to do anything. It was really just so I would have something to do and keep myself busy with. Then I started to include more simple techniques and then motifs and now patterns. If it's something that interests you, I think it's a great way to get distracted and at the end of it, you get a "reward" (being whatever you knit).

I hope you find something that helps you and that eventually you overcome depression.

I'm positively surprised that I've not seen gym suggestion within 10 comments.

Whittling is also a good one, low investment and relatively simple.

Juggle. You must have 3 similar ball shaped items around the house. There's lots of tutorials online. You get your blood feeling, body moving. Such a nice rush when you finally get that new pattern or trick you were working on.

For me, it was running and reducing alcohol to very moderate levels. I'm at the point now that I crave a run to clear my mind and lower my stress. I rarely ever feel depressed anymore. Total game changer for me.

Turn the passive watching into something a bit active if you can. I like watching TV, and I sometimes try to analyze the data from them. Similarly, if you like watching youtube videos, maybe examine what it is that excites you about them, if any, analyze and introspect.

A cat? It forces you to do something useful everyday, which will make you feel good. Maybe a dog is even better, since you'd have to walk it, but a dog is a harsher commitment than a cat. You can't skip a walk with a dog, just because you re having a bad day. A cat however, will be fine for a day of neglect as long as you keep it's bowl full. A cat also enjoys playing outside though, so you could try that as well.

I had a kid, which didn't cure my depression, but it took away all my time. I didn't have time to think about depression anymore, so I kinda forgot about it. Though I wouldn't recommend having a kid for anything besides just wanting to have a kid.

I’ve thrown myself into competitive powerlifting and my bipolar disorder has been stable for like three years. The exercise can be tough but it really levels me out.