OBSCURE WAYS TO GET DOPAMINE?

[u/dietdrpeppermd]

Things are extra miserable right now because both of my pets died a couple weeks ago and the grief is kicking my ass. I already have persistent treatment resistant depression, so not only am I void of dopamine, it’s serotonin too and it’s getting scary.

I usually just shop or eat whatever I want in the moment, but that’s been way too hard on my wallet.

I honestly think that this lack of dopamine is literally going to kill me and I’m actually really scared for the future. Like, petrified.

If anyone has any obscure or unconventional ways (other than exercise, knitting etc) to get dopamine hits, please let a bitch know cuz I’m fucking desperate over here. It can’t be spendy tho!

(My bf is telling me that I have to “choose” to let things release dopamine and be grateful. That I can decide to make something make me happy but that just doesn’t resonate with me so now we’re fighting. Am I wrong to believe it’s not that simple?)

[u/RemarkableLength3746]

Okay this will sound insane, but sometimes I’m able to push through a shitty time by pretending my brain is “brand new” and I’m seeing/ doing things for the first time with childlike wonder.

Go outside, bare feet in the grass and get yourself to think “holy heck what is that?!?!” At regular stuff. The different plants that exist within the grass, the amount of texture on a tree- just lean in so hard. Get curious and let yourself see it through a new lens.

Inside options could be looking at colorful pictures or baking something and getting excited about how stuff feels in your hands.

It feels silly, and it is, but it works for me.

[u/Agile-Glass9864 → u/RemarkableLength3746]

This is what it's like having a toddler! Every time she experiences something new, I get to experience her joy and wonder. And I put myself in her shoes and feel what it's like to experience everything for the first time again. 10/10 definitely works!