Explainer | Dealing with depression: how following a daily routine can help manage emotional well-being
- Sticking to a regular routine can help depression sufferers feel a sense of purpose and of being in control
- Vivian Cheng says her regular routine involving exercise, writing and volunteering helps her stay feeling grounded and more positive
In 2011, Vivian Cheng was diagnosed with depression after the collapse of a long-term relationship. Since then, she has been regularly seeing both a psychologist and a psychiatrist, and taking antidepressant medication.
The Hongkonger, who is in her 40s, also joined a support group for people with depression and says that their meetings have been instrumental in her recovery.
“I learnt a lot about this complex and misunderstood condition, including the fact that it’s a mental illness and that it’s normal,” she says. “Being in that healing, non-judgmental space also taught me how others deal with their symptoms. Knowing that there are others like me reassures me that I’m not alone in this struggle.”
Following a routine has also helped Cheng manage her emotional well-being. She says that making certain activities central to her daily life keeps her feeling grounded and more positive about her future.
“I swim three times a week, spend time with my dog every afternoon, do volunteer work every Wednesday, and write about mental illness every week in my blog on LinkedIn. Previously, my routine also included yoga, daily journaling and weekly psychotherapy sessions.