Tips For Dealing With Depression

For those of you who follow me, you have probably seen my older tip about how to handle having a loved one who struggles. But what I didn't say is that I have struggled with a form of depression myself through the years. Like my last one, I would first like to give you a little backstory first

My depression started young with the lost of trust in someone who was very close to me. But progressed with the loss of my biological father, bestfriend, grandmother, and a miscarriage all in a matter of a year. I went to a very dark place and I had to (have to) drag myself out of it everyday.

Now 2 years have passed, and I can't say I'm perfect, but I am in a much better state of mind than I was. I would like to share with you guys some tips to handling the depression, getting back to your old selves, digging your way out, and most importantly not letting it overwhelm you.

1. Find someone to talk to about it. It can be a family member, a friend, a support group, a doctor, just make sure you have someone who will listen. Feeling like you are dealing with it alone makes it 10 times harder to deal with. 2. set a time frame to let yourself be sad. Obviously I don't mean

2.... That when that time is done you will just forget about it and move on. But more like I give myself 3 days to lay in bed, cry, mope, etc. and when that time is up you can still be sad but you can't give into it. (The occasional cry is both expected and allowed). 3. Keep your regular pattern.

3....if you usually get up everyday an wash your face then run a block, when you are depressed still do that. It will help you feel more like yourself. 4. Open yourself up to music. Any kind you like or that lifts your spirits, but listen and allow yourself to feel the uplift it brings you.

5. Try to smile or laugh. If you let yourself act like you are going to be miserable you will just dig yourself deeper. 6. Pick up a new fun activity. I do friendship bracelets, its easy, it occupies my brain just enough and makes me feel like I'm doing something, even if I'm being lazy

7. Be healthy. This is one of the most important, because it will make you feel physically better. But change one meal to something healthy, or pick up a ten minute daily workout. Start small and build up. Improving your physical health with do wonders in improving your mental health