The road uphill from the downward slope of depression is immensely steep and hard to traverse. However, there are ways where you yourself can work towards the betterment of your mental health.
Here’s some stuff you can try to help yourself if you’re suffering from depression:
1. Start eating well
Pay close attention to what you’re putting in your body. Try to eat healthy, even if you may not necessarily feel motivated enough to do so. Yeah, you may feel like downing an entire tub of ice cream and you may want to binge eat every now and then. Allow yourself that one cheat meal every now and then. But know when to stop.
2. Do not compromise on sleep
Getting enough sleep and rest is of the utmost importance. You have to make sure you’re not overexerting yourself, or depriving yourself of sleep in general.
3. Try to maintain your hygiene
It’s easy to not want to take care of yourself or to lose the ability to look after your hygiene. However, you should try to keep pushing yourself to stay clean in all the little ways that you can. Staying unclean puts you in a negative frame of mind. That’s something you obviously want to avoid.
4. Try to stay away from substances that you know will lead to long-term damage
Refrain from using drugs or getting involved in the consumption of alcohol. Though they may make you feel great momentarily, the long-term health hazards and the fact that you may become too dependent negates all of that.
5. Remember that positive reinforcement can work wonders
You have to remember to be kind to yourself first. Treating yourself kindly not only encourages self-love, it allows your worst critic – you, yourself – to give you some breathing space. Appreciate yourself to the fullest.
6. Try to stay in touch with people
You may feel like isolating yourself at many points in time. Perhaps, you may even feel like no one can empathize with you. However, you absolutely need to talk to people to get by. Isolation can make things worse. And yes, while everyone may not understand what you’re going through, there will be certain individuals who will be able to empathize and help.
7. Start exercising
Keeping yourself physically involved is a great way to help yourself through the process of depression. You’re dedicating yourself to an activity that requires you to focus and it’s pretty much helping you physically too. Though you may feel like you lack the motivation to do so, keep trying to push yourself the extra mile.
8. Allot some alone time
Self-reflection is always helpful. Sit down with a journal and jot down your thoughts. Listen to some soothing music. Or try to undo mental knots by reasoning with yourself like you would with a friend. It’s important to make time for yourself and collect your thoughts.
9. Practice relaxation techniques
There are many videos you can check out online that can actually help relax you if you’re experiencing a depressive episode. These videos are made specifically in a way where they soothe the viewer. Other than that, you could always invest in small things that might help, like scented candles or taking a nice, warm bath.
10. Get involved in something you love doing
Focus on what you love and try your best to give it your 100%. Find a hobby or figure out a way in which you can incorporate your passion into your daily life. And try to make that your form of expression, or your outlet. For example, if you’re into writing, express your thoughts on paper. Channel your energy and your emotions into what you love doing.
11. Make a list of things you want to get done
Set small goals for yourself. Try to make sure they aren’t unachievable. And applaud yourself for following through with your goals.
12. Make an effort to stay in touch with your friends
While isolation may seem like a great option at times, it is never ideal to leave yourself alone in troubled times. Moreover, it may actually help if you reach out and seek help from reliable friends.
13. Seek professional help
The best thing you can do for yourself is to seek professional help. It takes a LOT of courage to do so but is important all the same.
Dealing with depression yourself isn’t easy, but you can’t allow yourself to spiral. It’s a steep uphill battle, but it’s one you need to brave and win. Do you have any other ways that are perhaps tried and tested? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
