“I struggle with depression year-round, but it’s especially bad when it’s gray or cold out. I try to get as much sunlight as possible but for the days when I just can’t, I keep this HappyLight turned on on my desk. I don’t know if it’s just a placebo effect, but I really do notice a difference when I do it.” —Cara P., 34
If there was a magic wand we could wave to cure depression, we’d buy it yesterday—but it’s just not that simple. Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the U.S. but it’s a complex experience that’s different for everyone. Some people experience depression year-round, while others deal with situational depression after a stressful life event or suffer from seasonal affective disorder during the colder months. That makes treating depression complex, requiring different things for different people.
Medication and therapy are great evidence-based treatments that can lay the foundation for your treatment plan, but sometimes a little something extra is needed to help you get through the day-to-day slog that can come with depression. Whether it’s a SAD light to start your day on a brighter note or a cozy pair of sweats to sink into the couch with, having the right tools in your arsenal can make the worst days a little more bearable. Below, we asked people living with depression to share which products have really helped them through it.
Remember: None of these products are meant to treat depression. If you’re looking to do that, checking in with a licensed mental health professional or your primary health care provider is key.
All products featured on Wondermind are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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1.AmazonVerilux HappyLight Luxe
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2.Alo Yoga“When my depression is at its worst, I find it impossible to put on real clothes and live in the same grubby sweatpants and t-shirts for weeks. This often becomes something I beat myself up for even though I know I shouldn’t. I decided to invest in some nicer loungewear in an effort to feel less bad about the whole thing, and these sweatpants from Alo Yoga are a personal favorite.” —Liana R., 28
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3.AmazonQunweidi Pill Organizer
$5.99“Depression causes me to feel like nothing is worth doing and everything is hopeless, which can lead me to stop taking care of myself. One of the most important things I usually put off doing is taking my antidepressants and other meds for my chronic illness, so I bought this pill case to make it as easy as possible. It’s the least ugly one I could find!” —Beth S., 31
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4.Bala“When I’m feeling good I take yoga classes at a studio nearby a few times a week, but when I’m in the middle of a depressive episode leaving the house feels impossible. Still, I know movement is good for my mood so I bought this nice yoga mat last year and do easy Yoga with Adriene classes at home when I just can’t get out the door.” —Jenn L., 27
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“My world becomes very dark when I’m depressed and I see everything from a glass-half-empty point-of-view. Reading has always helped me get through these periods by either distracting me from my thoughts or shifting my perspective, and this famous book by Michael A. Singer is great for doing the latter. It’s helped me separate the negative voices in my head from my ‘consciousness,’ or who I really am when all of that noise quiets down.” —Matt S., 36
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“I isolate a lot when I’m depressed so I’ve tried to make my apartment super cozy. There’s something about lighting a candle when I’m really down that makes me feel like I’m just nesting and taking a break from the outside world, rather than hiding from it. This one from Piecework is appropriately named and smells amazing too.” —Brianna D., 25
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“Lately I’ve started coloring whenever I’m feeling really down and can find the motivation. I take any expectations of drawing something ‘good’ out of it and just color like I’m 6 years old again, which is very freeing. Sometimes I just scribble on a notepad but when I want to get really focused and out of my head I pull out an adult coloring book like this one.” —Lauren K., 29
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“I bought this full/queen-sized blanket during a depressive episode and I can’t recommend it enough. In fact, I’ve bought it for several people going through a hard time, and they’ve all loved it too. When you’re depressed, small comforts are everything, and this blanket got me out of bed and into the living room on many occasions. It also has this great ribbed texture that’s really soothing to touch. Plus, it comes in more colors than just your typical ~mental illness gray~.” —Casey G., 34
Wondermind does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a replacement for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health or mental health professional with any questions or concerns about your mental health.
