By: B.W. Harold
Depression is an endless abyss stretching on for miles in one's mind. People who fall into depressed states often find that their world is shrouded in a thick suffocating fog. When this fog descends it's easy to allow the grief to sweep one away into a darker place. This place is far away from loved ones or any signs of a normal life.
For those trying to fight the pending darkness, here are some tips on how to stay anchored to the world and loved ones.
1. Pray- Ask God to help you with the strength to face the day. If you have fallen away from your faith, return or find a church where a congregation can give you friendly faces and social interaction
2. Get a counselor- It may seem strange talking to a complete stranger about your most agonizing moments, but the truth is friends and family will grow tired of telling you the same encouraging pick-me-ups over and over.
Yes, you're paying someone to listen to you, but you are also paying them to be frank with you. Counselors aren't going to tell you what you want to hear. They will tell you what you need to hear. Many people quit counselors part way through because they don't like seeing themselves in the light. Sticking with it though will push the causes of the depression back and maybe help identify a more serious problem.
3. Make a list- At the end of the day make a list of all good things that happened that day. Include the simple things like the ability to walk, food on the table, and supportive people in your life.
4. Take a walk- the exercise will pump chemicals into your brain and help you feel better. Experiencing the great outdoors will help with #3. Even a trip to the gym is helpful. Bottom line, exercise.
5. Surround yourself with mementos- Keep that birthday card, that movie stub to the last movie you saw, or display a degree or other certificate of achievement. Looking at that faded photo of the kids, or that trip to Hawaii will bring back positive memories. These memories will help to put the monster in your brain in check.
6. Say thank you- Write letters to old friends who helped you, or were always there for you. Tell your family you love them and thank them for helping with the dishes or sweeping the floor.
Gratitude is the natural enemy of depression. Look past the fog and you might find something worth fighting for.
Keep track of your symptoms such as sleeplessness, fatigue, moodiness, pain, and dangerous or painful thoughts as you practice these tips. You might find that a “bad week” was actually just a “bad day.”
Just remember you are the only one who can help you, if people scoff at your depression, you are the person living inside your head, not them. If the counselor suggests medication, remember the goal is to help you better manage your own mind and emotional health.
Depression is a winnable war, just fight with all your strength.
Photo by: Matthew Henry
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