This is going to have a tw for depression stuff but, what is Volkner non-pills ways to feel /better/, implying that he takes some medication or prefers to spend his time walking around or w/e.
he actually never took antidepressants until recently! everything was a work in progress for him, including gaining the courage to go to a doctor. he’s a pretty shameless guy. he’s confident in a lot of areas and carries himself with the same confidence, but in reality that was one of the few things that made him nervous. but, after denial for such a long time he thought it was about time. i’m just talking from my own experience here but his antidepressants don’t help a whole lot, they just stabilize his mood more but he’s still pretty low 99% of the time! if he finally starts therapy, maybe things might be better ? he hasn’t though because, like i said, slow and steady steps
BUT ! to answer your question, i think there wasn’t really a lot of ways to feel better, there were only ways to distract himself and waste time until the day ended. that’s how it’s been since he was a kid, and that’s still pretty much what he does now. there’s nothing that makes him feel exponentially happier. he hyperfixates on his gym, mechanics, engineering, creating new things, and it’s the only thing that makes him relax.
flint is also a huuuuuuuuuge part of volkner’s life! he’s the only one he knew before he developed such severe depression, so hanging out with him is almost like back when they were kids. he’s the only one that really understands him and doesn’t fault him for how badly he’s coped with his bad mental health in the past. instead of being angry that volkner’s so quiet, flint just talks more out of the two of them instead and it’s always been something volkner appreciated. he loooooves that guy. i could go on about their relationship for days!
all in all, things that make him feel better: engineering, flint, probably a video game, a lot of music, and long ass naps. they don’t do much but they help the best anything really can. he’s still just sort of............scraping through the days unfortunately. but i would say he’s happier now than say, a few years ago when he was frustrated and refused to acknowledge his problems. because he finally has, and because he’s more honest and open about it, and because he has close friends, and now medicine, things are getting better, even if it’s getting better very, very, very slowly. ty for the ask :* !!!!