+4
Not to get involved with the debate... (Yes, major problems may require professional intervention, but since the OP is consulting a forum means they are open to suggestions perhaps just as a distraction if nothing else.)
Anyway, I can't reiterate enough what others have already said - the first and most formidable "treatment" for these feelings is exercise, increasing the heart rate for an extended period of time (aerobics) or physical exertion.
(You won't want to do it. Your mind will find excuses not to do it. You may not enjoy it while you're doing it or may even find it painful, but I can almost guarantee you will feel at least a little bit better after you've done it.)
The walk is one of the best suggestions because it combines exercise with removing oneself from their surroundings while oxygenating the brain - seeing different things, or reacting to immediate situations distracts the mind from its current introspective woes - in short, it can serve as a pattern interrupter & perspective changer.
Similarly, a bike ride can serve the same purpose, or a hike in the woods, a jog, rock climbing, swimming, walking a dog, etc.
I realize all these things may not be options for all people, but the idea of combining exercise while getting away from one's usual environment is just a matter of finding a way to implement it.
Getting around other people (ones you preferably enjoy or can tolerate) can also be an aid. Just talking or listening. It doesn't have to be about problems, sometimes just a little social interaction can help. I'd advise staying away from those you already know are downers, but sometimes just striking up a conversation with a complete stranger can be a bigger game changer than anything else. With exceptional luck, talking to a truly uplifting person (or even one who's problems may give you a different view of your own) can change one's perspective entirely.
Animals / pets - if you have access to any, most are like natural dopamine boosters. Usually when I walk, I run into someone with a dog I can pet - I usually feel somewhat better after making the connection.
I find accomplishing things makes me feel better. On days I indulge myself to be lazy, over eat, sit in front of the TV or computer, or "relax" are often the days I end up feeling most depressed. Accomplishing some simple chores (especially things you've been avoiding or procrastinating on), or cleaning things, or getting shopping done, pulling weeds or gardening, getting a workout in, getting a haircut, or organizing things (something as small as a utensil drawer) can both distract from emotions while providing some small sense of fulfillment.
Just starting a project (you don't even have to work on it - with the feelings of how daunting it may be overwhelming you - or finish it - but just take one action that starts it). Just starting on something can bring on feelings of interest or newness that can help redirect feelings of being stuck in the rut of depression.
A more ambitious suggestion would be trying to channel negative emotions into accomplishments or a project (which can be a bit too complicated to try to delve into here).
Then, of course there's volunteering or just seeking out someone else who needs help; calling someone you know would welcome talking, paying attention to someone else's problems, offering physical help to an elderly neighbor, donating to a charity, committing random acts of kindness, cleaning up garbage from a park or roadside, anything philanthropic that may serve to benefit others is usually a guaranteed counter to feelings of despair or depression.
For instance: I'm using your thread as a way to make myself feel a little better by offering these suggestions to someone that's hurting!
Last edited by Captain Steel; 05-26-21 at 05:26 PM.