Many people go through depression at some point in their lifetime. For some people it's a fleeting thing that comes and goes, but for others it can be crippling. However, there are some things that you can do to help you ward off the depression "bug" and I'd like to share them with you.
Here are Six things that will help you to stop depression in its tracks and help you to keep yourself together.
#1. Acceptance - Don't start beating up on yourself because you're feeling down. I've battled this for years and it's really pretty silly. The pity thoughts of "oh why do I have to feel like this? why can't I just be like everybody else", will only bring you down further. You must accept that you're a human being and human beings are NOT perfect. Depression is something that you must deal with in your life. Is it a bummer sometimes? Absolutely, but it does NOT make you a bad person just because you happen to have a problem with depression. Don't ever, ever start persecuting yourself. Got it?
#2. Stop what you're doing and visit your "Happy Place"- Have you ever seen the movie "Happy Gilmore?" If so, then you'll immediately know what I mean, if not, let me explain. Everyone has a place or a dream of exactly where they'd most like to be. For some people this could be an island in the south pacific, for others the mountains or on a bike trail in the desert. Wherever that may be that makes you most happy and gives you peace, is your happy place. When you feel the depressed feelings coming on, stop what you're doing right away and pay a visit there. It helps.
#3. Write it down - Sometimes I feel so full of emotional garbage that I'm certain I'll just burst open and then confetti would be everywhere (That was a joke). I've found relief by writing things down though. You can do this with a pen and paper, you can post to a mental health forum, you can start a blog and post there, or whatever it takes. Sometimes it helps to post to a forum if you have a problem that you really need feedback on, but it might be too sensitive to share with family or friends. Another method is to write all of that garbage that's bugging you down on paper and then get rid of it. Trash it, burn it, flush it or tear it into a million pieces. It feels really good.
#4. Call a friend - I should put an asterisk next to this one. You only want to call a trustworthy friend that you know you can confide in, that perhaps has confided in you before or has the same or similar problems as you. Don't just grab a co-worker and say "I've gotta get this off my chest!" Situations like this tend to backfire and I highly recommend that you don't do it. Stick with those close to you that are trustworthy.
#5. Call a family member - Some types of depression are hereditary and someone else in your family may go through the same thing as you, with similar feelings. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and say "hey bro or hey sis, do you have a minute?" People that love you are suppose to be supportive. There are some things that you may be more comfortable talking to a family member about than a close friend and vice versa.
#6. Exercise - I can't recommend it enough. Exercising will help you to burn off stress and get those happy endorphins firing upstairs in your brain. The more that you do, the better that you'll feel. Make certain to stretch very well before and after exercising in order to avoid injury and reduce soreness. This is a great help because you can get outside and really work up a good sweat. You can even get rid of some unwanted pounds while you're at it, which will be great for your self esteem. Get off of your rear and get with the program! It helps.
I hope that these tips help you to get through the "rough" times. Just remember to keep your chin up and don't be afraid to share those feelings and get rid of them. Feel free to print this out and put it on your wall. I hope it helps you.
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