Due to med changes and brain chemistry alignments, my depression has reared it’s ugly head yet again.
This is the kind of depression that I had when I was first diagnosed, and just getting on medication. So, it’s ugly and angry. And all I can do is keep fighting. It’s a silent battle. One I don’t like to talk about because it makes me feel weak. It’s a battle that is raging in my head while on the outside I seem… fine.
Well, yeah, I’m ok… but this really sucks. So, instead of keeping my battle secrets to myself, I want to share them so maybe others don’t feel quite so alone.
Take a shower. I know you hardly feel like getting out of bed, much less taking care of yourself. But, a shower does wonders and helps you take a step forward.
Get out. I know you feel like staying in, where it is safe, but it is so important to not isolate. You don’t have to go to a birthday party or out drinking at the bars, I’m talking about getting in the car and driving down the road. Go someplace close, your church, the mailbox, or even the grocery store (you don’t even have to go in!). Just get out.
Know…Believe it will pass. Because it will. I know it hurts in a way that can’t be explained, but it will pass. Just make it to the next moment you can breathe. It might be the hardest thing you’ve ever done, but, if you can make it, you’re even stronger for the next fight.
Do some laundry. It’s cathartic and symbolic of cleaning out the yuck. It’s also the completion of something. Cleaning out the yuck and completing things are essential to moving forward and out from under that dark cloud.
Serve others. I know your world is like a vacuum right now, and it seems like nothing else can exist, but the easiest way to get out of your own head is to do something for someone else. Don’t even think about it, just do it. Ask if you can help with something. I wouldn’t suggest signing up for a marathon or becoming a secret ninja sidekick, but be a buddy for a nice walk, pray for someone, or compliment someone.
These are all things I’ve utilized in the last week. Do you have any go-to helpful hints to walk through depression with your head up? I’d love to hear them.
I’m feeling a little down today, and was thinking about a lot of the things I’ve heard in one way or another regarding my depression.
