I was in my second year of college when I realized that I had depression. For as long as I can remember, I always had an apathetic attitude towards life. I never thought about it as a symptom of depression. I kept my emotions to myself because my family viewed my apathetic attitude as a "teenager mood" and I would get over it.
Dealing with depression is one of the hardest things I have to deal with. If you were to ask me to describe how depression feels, I would tell you that depression is like being locked inside of a windowless room that you cannot get out of. Depression is crippling. Physically, mentally and emotionally crippling. Depression puts a pause on your life.
I am going through a depression episode as I am writing this. Depression is hard but I take it day by day. Depression doesn't have me and I refuse for it to rule my life. No matter what I do will not give up. I will stay persistent and resilient and I ask the same for everyone who is going through it also. Always keep reaching for the light.
1. You Are Not Alone - Yes I know this is cliché but it is true. Your mind will deceive you and make you think that you are alone. Surround yourself with people who understand what you are going through or join a support group.
2. Eat Healthy - You either don't eat at all or you binge eat. You will be surprised by how healthy eating can elevate mood. Eat five or six small meals a day. Eat food and snacks high in protein, omega-3's, and vitamin D. Studies show that Omega-3's and Vitamin D can elevate moods and aid in depression.
3. Cry - The worst thing you can do is to keep what you are feeling bottled up. It is not good for you or the people around you. If you need to cry, cry. It is okay to feel what you are feeling. Get it all out. More room out than in.
4. Keep A Journal - In the famous words of Mae West "Keep a diary, and someday it'll keep you." Journaling has saved me many times from getting into a hole I can't get out of. Once you put your feelings on paper, it is out of your body. It is very therapeutic. Plus journaling allows you to keep track of your progress.
5. Get Busy - Pick up a paint brush, throw on some shoes and go outside. Whatever you do get up and get active. One of the hardest things to do when you have depression is to get up. Even when I wake up late I try to write out a to-do list so that I can be motivated to get up. I find that for me when I play my guitar or exercise, it gives my attitude a little boost. Find something that you love to do and focus your energy on it.
6. All Things Must Pass - Just know that this moment in time is only temporary. I know it is hard to view it this way but there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. Try not to get caught up in your emotions.
7. Why Do You Keep Going? - For me when I'm really down I look at what I call my Why Do You Keep Going? list and it gives me hope. It allows me to keep fighting until I see the light at the end of the tunnel. You can put anything on the list and it is never ending. You can put the list on your phone or you can write it down in your journal.
8. Surround Yourself With Positivity - I cannot stress the importance of surrounding yourself with positivity. Surround yourself with people who will lift you up, focus on the things that make you happy and read self-help books. I like to listen to Lewis Howes' School Of Greatness podcast to give me some motivation.
For those dealing with depression, hang in there we’re going to make it. I know it hard but you have to keep fighting.
What do you do to keep yourself going?
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