Depression has affect many people after and even during the Covid-19 pandemic. From simply not being around people as often and has even made people deal with personal things that they may have been to distracted before to deal with. Because of this, people have come to deal with depression alone this has taken a toll on their lives. From relationships not doing as well, not as productive at work, or even simply not taken care of themselves as much. Depression can come in many forms, but the first thing about depression is admitting that you may be depressed.
No matter what part of our lives that we are in. Life is gonna Life at some point. The thing is, is understanding when we are going through thing and also understand that it is normal. We all go through stuff… BUT it’s how we handle it that will determine our results. Depression can put anyone in a slump, but understanding how to get out of it can be that little super power you need to get back to that amazing YOU that YOU are.
- Seek professional help: Consulting a mental health professional such as a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist is often the best way to deal with depression. Sometimes it can be nerve wrecking to tell someone what you feel is the problem, but having to someone to speak about your problems with just might be exactly what you need to heal.
- Practice self-care: Self-care activities such as getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and practicing relaxation techniques can help alleviate symptoms of depression. This is something I can truly attest too. Sometimes all you really needed was some love from the person who should love you the most and that you. Self-care can be everything from simply just having time to clean your house, or allowing yourself to take that looong hot shower you felt you didn’t have time for. There have been cases for me that my self-care has easily been me getting a haircut, or me taking the time to really line and trim my beard up. I don’t know, something about looking good can truly make me feel good.
- Connect with others: Social support is important for dealing with depression. Reach out to family and friends for emotional support. Depression isn’t something that you have to go through alone. I know they say, “misery loves company,” but you may find out you’re not the only one dealing with what you are going through and most times we aren’t. Talking to others can allow you to see that it’s ok for you to feel the way that you do. Which can give you the strength to know that you can make it through it.
- Challenge negative thoughts: Depression can be associated with negative thoughts and beliefs. Work on recognizing and challenging these negative thoughts. Negative thoughts during depression if feel is one of the most detrimental thing that you can put yourself through while being depressed. To fight those negative thoughts sometimes you have to remind yourself what you have accomplished. Taking the time to write down 3, 5, or 10 things you have accomplished can be a refresher of what you are capable of. Just don’t let negative thoughts consume you.
- Set realistic goals: Setting small, achievable goals can help boost self-esteem and create a sense of accomplishment. When depressed the goal is simple. “Get To Tomorrow!” I don’t care what you’re going through, make steps that helps you to get to tomorrow. Create goal throughout your day that is simple and grows. You first goal could be as easy as making sure to take a shower (because sometimes depression can make us forget to take care of ourselves), or step outside for the day. Their is no limit to what those goals can be, but set something up that changes the usual depressed day that you may have.
- Engage in enjoyable activities: Participating in activities that bring pleasure and enjoyment can help improve mood. I know detractions can sometimes lead us away from the problem, but to refocus, we sometimes need that day, or time period of feeling like we have no worries. Have a night out with friends, go to a concert, go dancing, go to church, go to the park and play basketball, etc. Just go do something that makes you smile.
- Get outside: Spending time in nature and getting fresh air can have a positive effect on mood. If you seen many of my other posts, one thing I have come to love is hiking. Being in nature can give you a sense of peace and know that things aren’t as bad as they really are. Sometimes we decide to make things difficult for us and I feel that nature has a way of simplifying life to show us you don’t need everything you think you need to feel peace. Take sometime, let the sun radiate your skin and get grounded with nature.
- Volunteer: Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and help connect with others. Doing good things for others in need truly has a way of reviving life into many. Volunteering can help you regain a sense of purpose, love and a care for humanity.
- Journaling: Create a journal that you can vent too. My mom would always tell me when growing up that everyone needs a “release technique.” One of the best forms of that is journaling. Sometimes you don’t have to talk about it with anyone, but you have to get how you feel off your chest. Depression can be like a full pot of boiling water. Once it gets to hot it’s gonna start splattering on everything around it. Try journaling to cool yourself off.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga can help reduce symptoms of depression by promoting relaxation and reducing stress.