Depression is something that so many people struggle with, including myself. It’s a horrible illness and it’s one that can be hard to cope with. It sucks away your happiness and when you try to get away from it, it can just keep pulling you back down.
Fighting depression can seem like an uphill battle. One day you might feel like you’re getting better and the next you might struggle to even get out of bed. See also: Common postpartum depression myths.
I recently came out of a depressive episode that lasted for over 2 months. It was exhausting and I couldn’t find the strength to fight. So, I just sort of wallowed in it at first.
But I realized that just made it worse. So, I found things to do that made it more bearable. Like I said, depression can be an uphill battle. But there are definitely things that you can do to help you cope when it hits.
Here are 6 things that help me when depression hits:
1. Write Out Lists
When I’m feeling depressed, making lists helps me feel better. I know that might sound weird, but just hear me out. Not only can lists help you clear your mind and feel calmer, but they can also help you focus on positive things when you’re feeling depressed.
You can make a gratitude list, a bucket list, a list of people you love, a list of your accomplishments, a list of your favourite quotes, or anything else that will make you feel happy.
2. Make Yourself Laugh
Laughter really can be the best medicine, even when it doesn’t feel like you can laugh. When you feel like happiness can’t be found, do something that makes you laugh.
Watch funny YouTube videos or funny movies. Or talk to someone that always makes you laugh. I know that when I’m really depressed, laughter always makes me feel lighter and reminds me that happiness is possible.
3. Complete Simple Tasks
You already know that it’s hard to find the motivation or energy to do a lot of things when you’re feeling depressed. Sometimes even getting out of bed can be a battle.
But like I said, doing nothing just made me feel worse and sort of stressed me out. If you’re really struggling to be productive when you’re depressed, just try to complete simple tasks. Things like making your bed or folding laundry.
Doing simple things like this can help you feel like you’ve accomplished something which can help put your mind at ease.
4. Do Something Creative
Expressing yourself creatively can make so many things better, including depression. When I’m feeling low and my brain is overwhelmed, this is one of the best ways to let everything out and feel more at peace.
Creativity allows you to pour your heart and soul into something and let everything out that’s inside. It’s a healthy way to let out your feelings and negativity.
5. Practice Self-care
Self-care is important all the time, but it’s especially crucial when we’re struggling with mental health issues. Neglecting your self-care will just make the issues worse.
So, whenever I’m struggling with depression, I make sure that I take care of myself properly. I make sure I’m drinking enough water, exercising, getting the right amount of sleep, taking care of myself spiritually, and staying away from things that make me feel even more depressed.
I know that it can be hard to find motivation to do these things when you’re depressed, but keep reminding yourself how much they will actually help you. See also: Take the 10 Day Self Care Challenge.
6. Remember That it Won’t Last Forever
No matter how many times depression hits, I always have this feeling of dread that it will never end. It can be scary and make things more overwhelming. But no matter how many times it hits, it always goes away.
It helps to remind yourself of this whenever it’s flaring up. Having a mental illness is like a roller coaster ride. There will be times when you can barely make it out of bed, but the time will come when you’re happy again.
You’ve made it through depression before and as horrible as it can be, you will make it through it again. Remember how strong you are.
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These are some really great tips especially number 6. Sometimes when a depressive episode hits its hard to see a light at the end of a very dark tunnel but you have to remember that it is there. I find writing all of my thought down really helpful even if they dont make sense. It just clears my head x
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This post is helpful, thanks for sharing!
They are good tips, and thank you for sharing your journey. However, as somebody who nearly lost somebody very close to suicide the number one point should be to seek help.
I’m currently in a depressive episode. Laughing it out and getting creative definitely helps with my depression. It’s hard to think that these depressive episodes won’t last but I’ll try. Thanks for this post! ♥
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Most of the tips are so effective to overcome from depression, when I feel like so I go to somewhere for a long time and really try to complete just an simple jobs.
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I love these tips! Just last month, depression hit me so hard caused by my health anxiety. It was so hard for me to keep my normal routine, let alone leave the bed in the morning. The thing with health anxiety is that, you can never really move on and stop from worrying, until you get yourself checked by a doctor, which is also a struggle, because you don’t wanna find out, if ever, something is really wrong with you, at least in my case. It’s such an exhausting endless loop. However, the most effective thing I did, was to make myself happy in my own little ways, like watching k-dramas, reading books, and creating arts once in a while. Blogging also helps a lot!
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so true. i have the same case as you. for me, i cope it with watching funny series, reading books and i just started blogging, too! we got this! xxx
It must have been so hard for you as well. That’s right! Let’s just keep ourselves occupied. If you can leave your blog’s link here, I’d be sure to check it out!
And thank you for your response! Makes me feel less alone. We got this!! 🙂
it sure is tough. been on it for 13 years! i can say that i am better now. having the episodes, but pretty much can really handle it well.
and thank you also for responding. 🙂
you are sweet! we can keep in touch! looking forward to it! email me at [email protected]
take care always!
Thank you for this great article Tami. I was hooked reading your post until the end. I have suffered from depression, too, and knows how it feels so hard combatting depression. You will have allergic bouts, stress eating disorder, insomnia and so many hard to think of reactions you haven’t done before. I am glad I was able to move on from that stage. Because, anyone who suffers depression, must keep in mind, it is the “number one killer disease”.
Other sorts of complications develop, like high blood pressure, heart attack, bulimia nervosa, and so on, and so forth, when you can’t control depression, at its worst.
If this happens, one should not hesitate to ask professional help. You shouldn’t be ashamed to tell somebody you are depressed and needs urgent help. It is a must if you want to live longer.
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