5 Tips to Deal with Depression
Being buried under the weight of depression is overwhelming, and you might feel like every time you try to dig your way out, you only make things worse. Everything takes more energy, and the whole world seems to lose some of its color. Nothing tastes as good—nothing feels as good—and even your favorite interests and hobbies can feel stale and unexciting.
Shaking yourself out of your funk feels difficult, if not impossible. If you’re struggling to figure out how to pull yourself out of the pits of despair, here are 5 helpful tips to get you started:
1. Think Small
Avoid big-picture thinking. Instead of cleaning your house, clean a room. If that feels like too much, start with a corner or a surface instead. You may find yourself planning out a big project to fix things around the house or dreaming up grand plans to escape a job that’s driving you crazy but stick to the small stuff for now. Depression is linked to feelings of hopelessness, and setting small, achievable goals can help remind you how strong you are.
Exercise. Start small with a walk around the block.
Clean a room—but start with a corner or a small surface.
Gather up your dirty laundry today; wash it tomorrow.
Pay bills one at a time instead of all at once to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Plan Ahead
One of the best ways to fight depression is by making a simple plan for the future. Getting a routine or schedule in place can help you imagine the future more easily. Depression goes hand in hand with a sense of hopelessness and despair. Accordingly, the clearer you can see what your day will look like, the more empowered you’ll feel.
Plan tomorrow’s meals. Without putting any pressure on yourself, take 5 minutes and think about what you want to do for breakfast, lunch, and dinner tomorrow. If you find yourself making grand plans to squeeze in a trip to the grocery store or cook a big meal, pull that back. Think: easy to make, easy to clean up.
Set a bedtime for yourself. Time to play parent in your own life and give yourself a bedtime. Getting a good night’s rest is key to having a good day.
Schedule time for fun. Whether playing a video game, watching a movie, or getting out of the house for an adventure, make joy a priority.
3. Stay Connected
Depression goes hand-in-hand with a desire to isolate. Make room for the positive people in your life. Reach out to people who make you feel safe. Allow yourself to feel vulnerable. When we connect with others, it restores our hope for the future.
Join a local club.
Get out to a concert.
Volunteer with a charity.
Attend a support group.
Sign up for a book club.
4. Be Kind to Yourself
Instead of being hard on yourself, practice compassion. Accept that depression is not always something you can control, and it’s okay to have ups and downs in life. Try to look at your situation from an outside perspective, and give yourself the same kindness you’d give someone else.
Schedule breaks.
Remind yourself it’s okay to ask for help.
Encourage yourself with positivity.
Avoid comparing yourself to others.
Remember, you’re not broken; you’re in progress.
5. Engage in Creativity
Without putting pressure on yourself, try indulging in a little creative play. Dig up some old legos or try out some arts and crafts. Anything that keeps your hands busy and your mind occupied will do the trick.
Write in a journal.
Try a new hobby.
Start learning an instrument.
Create a home garden.
Counseling & Support
If you need a safe, supportive environment to express your thoughts and feelings and learn how to manage your symptoms, reach out today for depression therapy. I’m here to help you learn to love yourself and put your dark days behind you.