Twitter users share stories about tackling depression with viral hashtag #HowIFightDepression

'It is a big deal for me to get some cleaning done'

(Getty Images)

A hashtag encouraging people to share personal stories about how they tackle depression has gone viral on Twitter.

The hashtag, #HowIFightDepression, has garnered more than 7,000 tweets thus far, with people sharing tips that range from exercising and seeking therapy to watching comedies and cuddling dogs.

Clinical depression is defined by the mental health charity Mind as “a low mood that lasts for a long time, and affects your everyday life”. Symptoms range from hopelessness and difficulty sleeping and can result in people self-harming and feeling suicidal.

The World Health Organisation estimates that more than 300 million people experience depression around the world.

When it comes to managing symptoms of depression, one person praised the benefits of watching “uplifting” TV programmes such as Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Parks and Recreation.

Another person said watching videos of cats on Twitter made them laugh and helped to ease the pain.

Many people used the hashtag to explain that helping other people benefited their mental wellbeing.

“Try to break up problems into little ones and deal with them step by step,” one person suggested.

“Phone a close friend for a chat, listen to the right music, watch the right film.”

Another added: “Meditation. Sunshine. Lots of walks and exercise. Surrounding myself with positive people. Setting goals. Chasing my dreams and focusing on my passions. Taking things a day at a time to not get overwhelmed. Opening up to my support circle. Social media detox!”

Other popular methods mentioned included: sleeping, reading and even doing mundane tasks. For example, one person tweeted that they manage their symptoms of depression by reminding herself that “little things” are accomplishments to be proud of.

“It is a big deal for me to get some cleaning done, or answer emails, or SING,” they wrote. “Just because those things are easy for others, doesn’t mean they aren’t things for me to celebrate.”

On Mind's website, tips for how to help yourself if you're struggling from depression include talking to someone you trust, keeping active, spending time outdoors and practising self-care.

If you have been affected by any issues mentioned in this article, you can contact The Samaritans for free on 116 123 or any of the following mental health organisations:

mind.org.uk

nhs.uk/livewell/mentalhealth

mentalhealth.org.uk

samaritans.org

anxietyuk.org.uk