Depression can be quite an elusive foe; masking itself as irritability, low energy, sadness, or just confusion as to why life seems to have lost it’s luster or you can’t “just be happy” like everyone else.
Recovering from depression can feel like an uphill battle, but taking it one small victory at a time, you will begin to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Here are some tips we have put together in order to help you on your path back!
- Foster Supportive Friendships: We’ve all heard it time and time again, but there’s no denying the therapeutic value of reciprocal nurturing friendships. With these people in your support group you will be able to speak freely about “what’s really going on” without fear of judgement or having your feelings be dismissed as whining.
- Jot Down Your Negative Thoughts: Negative thoughts and depression go hand in hand. Start jotting down when a negative thought crosses your mind. Write down what triggered the thought or mood, then when you are feeling better, take a look at the situation. Was there another perspective you could have taken on the situation? Journaling is always an extraordinary tool in helping build awareness of how your perceptions and feelings may not always be reality.
- Take Care of Yourself: Though it may feel like the last thing you have the energy to do or even want to think about, self-care is one of the most effective ways to boost your mood. This includes eating well, getting enough sleep, maintaining your hygiene, and aiming for a bit of activity everyday.
- Drop the “Shoulds”: Don’t allow your past level of exercise or activeness dictate how you feel about what you “Should” be doing now. Instead of focusing on what you used to do, for example say you used to jog 10 miles a week or swim laps everyday.. Let yourself off the hook and just do what sounds good to you right now. If going for a walk on the track at a local community center is about all you can muster, then go for it!
- Get a Check-Up: Many times, during a depressive state you may not be in-tune with how your body is feeling. You feel tired, low energy, unable to want to or try to function as you normally used to, maybe you’re experiencing head-aches. Seeing your doctor can help you find out if there’s an underlying cause for what is happening.
- Know When It’s Time to Seek Help: According to Mental Health America, depression affects over 21 million adults and children in the nation. Your thoughts may have you believing that no-one understands and you’re better off dealing with this on your own. But the truth is depression is very common and treatment does help! Reaching out for help is the first step towards taking back your life and feeling like yourself again!
Cited: Mental Health America www.mentalhealthamerica.net