On the cover How we lifted our spirits Healing power of hobbies

If you or someone you know has recently been struggling with low mood and depression, a new book called What I Do To Get Through reveals the amazing power that a healing hobby or activity can have during the worst of times

‘Gardening became highly addictive and lifted my mood’ ‘Singing reminded me of the happier person I’d once been’ ‘When I’m knitting, I feel centred and present’

It’s estimated that around one in four women are likely to experience depression severe enough to require treatment over their lifetime. But, after recent events, those numbers are likely to be even higher. Many people also have to wait for talking therapies and other services, so finding ways that can help you cope with life’s ups and downs seems like a good idea.

That’s why a new book, What I Do To Get Through: How To Run, Swim, Cycle, Sew Or Sing Your Way Through Depression, is worth having on your radar. It’s a collection of uplifting stories from real people living with depression talking about what helped them cope.

‘We kept hearing how people had found things that make them feel better; things that make their illness more bearable, that gave them meaning, relief, hope and, dare we say the word, some happiness,’ explains James Withey, who co-authored the book with Olivia Sagan. ‘“I wouldn’t be alive without climbing,” we kept hearing, or, “It might sound odd, but knitting has helped me more than anything else.”

The more we heard, the less odd it seemed. In fact, it made total sense.’

As the authors point out, there’s no magic cure for depression and recovery takes time, but from knitting to gardening, singing and cycling, finding the right activity can distract, calm and heal. Here, three women featured in the book share what worked for them…