5 Effective Ways to Use Reminiscence to Reduce Depression

Reducing depression can be an uphill battle, but there are ways to fight back and make the process easier on yourself. These five effective ways to use reminiscence to reduce depression will help you feel happier and more at peace with your life, even if it’s just in small ways at first. Be sure to pick and choose the techniques that are most appealing to you!

1) Start Talking About it

The first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the most important. Start talking about your depression with someone you trust. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or anyone else who will listen and support you. Talking about your depression will help you start to understand it better and may even help reduce some of your symptoms.

Reminiscence therapy may also help you discover the root of the depression. Is it loneliness or a lack of connection? What parts of your past make you the happiest and are those missing now?

1) Pick Something Special

When you are feeling down, it can be helpful to reflect on happy memories. Doing this can help shift your focus from the negative present to the positive past.  There are a few ways to do this: 

• Journaling: Write about any positive event in your life and then write about what happened next. 
• Conversation: Ask a loved one about their favorite memory of you and then share yours with them. 
• Watching TV or Movies: Watch a show or movie that has always made you feel good in the past.

Whatever you decide to do, and doing something is better than nothing, make sure it's something special to you. If you enjoy writing, choose a journal that brings you joy. If you've always had a funny bone, choose a familiar sitcom to watch. 

This is also where using reminiscence therapy through forms of enjoyable reflection,  also helps reduce depression. 

3) Make New Memories

One of the best ways to reduce depression is by making new memories. This can be done in a number of ways, such as taking up a new hobby, going on vacation, or simply spending time with loved ones. The key is to focus on the present and create positive experiences that will stand out in your mind.

What does this have to do with reminiscence? When you're reminded of the things that make you happy, you can take those activities or hobbies, and use them to make new memories with those around you.  Always enjoyed crocheting? Share that with a new generation. Maybe you enjoyed fishing. In the age of technology, it's good to get your grandchildren into the great outdoors. 

4) Find Positive Words in Old Stories

When you're feeling down, it can be difficult to see the silver lining in anything. However, looking back on old stories and happy memories can help shift your perspective and remind you of the good times. Pay attention to the positive words used in these stories, as they can help reframe your current situation in a more positive light.

5) Talk about your positive memories with others

When you share your positive memories with others, you not only get to relive the happy moment, but you also give others the opportunity to see a different side of you. This can help reduce depression by providing social support and increasing your self-esteem. Storii is a great way to collect these memories to be preserved for yourself and future generations. 

Using Storii to record spoken life stories starts an inner dialogue. By recording personal narratives, Storii helps individuals to capture memories and stories that might not have be recorded otherwise. Those memories can create an emotional bond when shared with family and also help caregivers access and empathize with how patients may be feeling. Storii only requires a phone number and you will be ready to receive up to 3 calls a week asking life questions. The answers are safely transcribed, stored, and can be shared with other family members. Find out more!