Q&A; / MARK EHRMAN : Beating the Blues

What is your depression ritual?

The Rev. Cecil L. Murray, senior minister, First AME Church, Los Angeles:

My handling of depression is to get myself in balance and to understand that I’m not in charge of anything and that God rules the universe. In line with that, I will drive to the ocean at Malibu, usually at around 11 p.m., and sit there. The ocean whispers to me three standing rules: Don’t take people too seriously. Don’t take myself too seriously. Do the best I can and then either throw it up and say to heaven with it, or throw it down and say to hell with it.

David Drake, playwright, actor (“The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me”):

“My initial response is Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Swiss Almond. Then I have to review my taped-off-the-TV copy of “Valley of the Dolls.” It kills two birds with one stone. It’s my favorite childhood movie and it makes me feel like things are not so bad because I’m not hooked on dolls.”

Paul Rodriguez, comedian:

“I get on the phone. I call all my friends and, through the grapevine, I find out who is more depressed than me. That makes me feel good in a twisted sort of way.”

Holly Harp, fashion designer:

“When depression hits the fan, I gently remind myself that, on some level, I am choosing the thoughts that have me down. Sometimes I actually write out these painful thoughts. When I’m ready, I consciously release these thoughts and choose a happier scenario. This miraculous, God-given process has never failed me.”

Ruth Hirschman, general manager KCRW-FM:

“I stop eating. The first thing that goes is my appetite. If I stay depressed long enough, I can lose five pounds. That’s a great help in ending the depression.”