1. I stop my brain and remember that it will pass or I will continue to spiral down. 2. I set simple goals and attempt to complete them. Sometimes it’s just getting a towel out of the closet and thinking about showering. I’ll even set a timer and make myself sit somewhere other than my bed for 10 minutes. I may only make it 3 minutes but I feel a little better. 3. Medication. Doesn’t work for everyone, but for me, not taking my medication for just 1 day triggers a series of events that will snowball into debilitating depression. 4. Accountability partner. I have one person that I trust and make it a point to contact him regularly. If I start slipping, he notices. He knows my doctors, therapist, med regimen, triggers, behaviors etc. He’s not a family member or significant other. He’s just my safety net. I feel better knowing that I’m not totally alone and I don’t want to disappoint him. 5. Art. I draw and draw until my fingers hurt but it is very cathartic.