Ask HN: Advices for Burnout and Depression?

I would say that this question depends heavily on the situation. If someone wants to take their own life for example, that is something they might be able to avoid by medication. But there are definitely other alternatives that can be viable such as cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise. It’s hard to say without knowing the specifics.

Eat breakfast when you get up, lunch around noon and dinner at 18:00, even if the meals are just small ones. Healthy food is better, but it’s the schedule that’s important.

Try to do the housework as you notice it. See a dirty dish? Clean it right away. See dirt on the floor? Vacuum it. But do it in small bursts where you don’t exhaust yourself. It’s perfectly fine to just vacuum the parts where you noticed the dirt and not the entire room for instance.

Try to keep your mind on whatever your doing. If you’re vacuuming you’re vacuuming. You’re not vacuuming while thinking about your finances.

Take a long walk each day, preferably in nature. Figure out which time is the least stressful for you. For some it’s morning, others it’s evenings, and others it’s not the same time each day but changing.

Stop worrying about your future. Whenever you get the dark and worried thoughts, tell yourself that things will work out. (This bit is going to feel stupid until it doesn’t).

Take some time out each day to give yourself compliments, possibly in front of a mirror. (This bit is asleep going to feel stupid until it doesn’t).

Don’t beat yourself up if you go days without doing any of these things, or anything in general. It’s perfectly ok to have “non-days”, especially when you’re depressed.

All of these things are hard to learn, and learning them and staying motivated with them while they are not working is easier if you get therapy.

It seems that you are facing a acute depression episode. My suggestion is to search professional help. This phase is really difficult and painful, a psychiatrist can really help you.

Be safe!