[WillowTheWhisp]

Recognising that it's happening is a start. You know the 'I know I'm going to shout/scream/cry/walk out of here/be an idiot but can't help it'. 'Can't help it' is the thing that other people don't understand and some will be determined not to even try. If they've never had first hand experience then it's difficult for them and all the 'helpful advice' in the world often is just the opposite when it doesn't help at all and just ends up making you feel guilty. I've got a tape somewhere called 'bounce back' which a well meaning friend once gave to me when I was suffering and after playing the first few minutes of it I could have cheerfully stuffed it down her throat! The only reason I didn't is because I knew she meant well.

I think it's so sad that counselling isn't more readily available because I don't believe that tablets are always the answer but people who don't suffer from depression often don't understand that it is a real illness and you can't just 'pull yourself together' or cheer up. It causes a chemical imbalance in the brain so I've been told and that is why the tablets help.

Now to answer the actual question, what makes me feel better - smelly stuff like Lush bath bombs, those massage bars with essential oils, aromatic candles, candlelight in general, soothing music, ice cream (ok not good for the diet but what the heck), walks in the fresh air, peace and quiet. Some people suggest reading a good book but it's not easy to concentrate on reading when you are down.