Dealing with depression. We’re living in a very strange time – and a lot of people are affected by this new reality… All the negativity around us does affect our emotional wellbeing – no matter how strong we might be.
I read these tips online and I really liked them. Depression is something so many of us struggle from in some form or way. Now, more than ever, depression statistics are on the increase. Your feelings are valid and real. No matter how often you – or others – invalidate them. Your feelings are real.
Every emotion and thought you experience at a given moment is real. When you feel sad, recognise that your sadness, at that moment, is genuine. Don’t analyse whether you should or shouldn’t feel sad. Don’t try to push the feeling aside.
Personally when I have a low day, I do things that make me happy. Whether it is playing some of my favourite sound tracks, sitting in the sun or walking on the beach. No matter what I am feeling internally I know I can find joy in something. The smallest step to feel good can do wonders.
DEALING WITH DEPRESSION – HERE ARE SOME TIPS
•Take a shower. Not a bath, but a good shower. Use water as hot or cold as you like. You don’t even need to wash. Just get in under the water and let it run over you for a while. Sit on the floor if you need to.
• Moisturise everything. Use whatever lotion you like. Unscented? Fancy 48 hour lotion that makes you smell like a field of wildflowers? Use whatever you prefer, and make sure to use it all over your entire dermis.
• Get dressed. Put on clean clothes that you feel comfortable in.
• Put on your favourite underwear. Cute black lace panties? Those ridiculous boxers you got as a gift last Christmas with pink love hearts on the butt? Go ahead – put them on – it will make you feel better!
• Drink cold water. Use ice if you prefer. Even better, you want, add some mint or lemon (or any other fruit for flavour) for an extra boost.
• Clean something. It doesn’t have to be anything big. Organise one drawer of a desk. Wash five dirty dishes. Do a load of laundry. Scrub the bathroom sink. Just clean something.
• Blast your favourite music. Listen to something upbeat and loud – something that will make you want to get up and dance. A song that has lots of energy. Sing to it, dance to it, even if you suck at both.
• Cook something. Don’t just grab a Kit Kat bar to munch. Take the time and make food from scratch. Even if it’s beans on toast. Add something special to it, like a soft boiled egg or some veggies. Prepare your food, it not only tastes much better this way, you’ll also feel like you have accomplished something.
• Get creative. Write a short story or a poem, draw a picture, colour a picture, fold origami, crochet or knit, sculpt something out of clay, anything that will awaken your inner artist. Even if you don’t think you’re good at it. Just create.
• Go outside. Take a walk. Sit on the grass. Look at the clouds. Smell flowers. Put your hands in the dirt and feel the soil against your skin.
• Call someone. Call a loved one, a friend, a family member, call a chat service if you have no one else to call. Talk to a stranger on the street. Have a conversation and listen to someone’s voice. If you can’t bring yourself to call, text or email or whatever, just have some social interaction with another person. Even if you don’t say much, listen to them. It helps.
• Cuddle your pets if you have them/can cuddle them. Take pictures of them. Talk to them. Tell them how you feel, about your favourite movie, a new game coming out, anything that comes to mind.
The above list may seem small or silly to some, but this list really helps people dealing with depression.
At your absolute best you won’t be good enough for the wrong people. But at your worst, you’ll still be worth it to the right ones. Remember that. Keep holding on. Be kind to yourself and most of all keep pushing on!
There is always something to be grateful for – find it!
**The actual depression tip list is copied and pasted, feel free to do the same, share this with whoever may need some encouragement**
Don’t take depression lightly. If you feel that you need to speak to a professional or join a support group, go have a look at the resources available on the SADAG website. SADAG is Africa’s largest mental health support and advocacy group.
Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash
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