Ways to Fight Depression

Remember when I told you I was trying not to drown? Well, the truth is I was trying not to sink. I was trying not to sink into depression. I thought of those of you out there who read that post and felt it down in your bones. The ones who were also trying not to sink. And then I thought of those of you who are already sinking.

So I reached out to my fellow blogging friends, asking if anyone has dealt with depression. I asked them if they were willing to talk to me about it.

I was blown away by the number of people who responded. Friends, we are not alone in our sinking. So many out there are dealing with depression or trying not to sink. My blogging friends shared how they fight depression in hopes of helping those of you out there who are sinking.

Are you depressed?

Signs of Depression

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
• Loss of interest in daily activities.
• Appetite or weight changes.
• Sleep changes.
• Anger or irritability.
• Loss of energy.
• Self-loathing.
• Reckless behavior.

Ashley told me that she has dealt with depression and anxiety since she was 12 years old. She said it began as a reaction to sexual abuse and continued to grow when she didn’t have any coping mechanisms in place to help her through her thoughts and feelings. She was on depression medication through high school. She told me that she had no faith or friendship, and at one point Ashley attempted suicide.

Since then, it’s been imperative that I keep a routine. With my anxiety, I treat that with a vitamin B complex and certain birth controls can either agitate or mellow it. But if I keep to a sleep, exercise, and work schedule I can keep depression at bay. Circumstances can trigger it, but I have to be grounded in the knowledge that it’ll pass.

Suzi told me there are things she can do, as well as things she doesn’t do, to help herself through her depression. She said the best thing she’s done to treat her depression has been to go on medication. She said it helps the fog lift so that she can take back control. When she feels an attack looming, she becomes pro active to keep herself from sinking. Suzi sees a psychologist, which she said helps a lot. She has learned techniques to help her cope.

I usually take time out. I go with it and let it run its course. I sleep, go out for a quiet coffee, write a post on my blog. I do whatever I need to do. If I need to cry, I allow myself the time to cry. The worst thing you can do is negate your feelings. If you believe there is an underlying cause to your depression, you can’t fix it while that cloud is present.

There are things I don’t do. I don’t engage in conversation with people who tell me basically to “get on with it.” These people are harmful, not helpful. I don’t believe God will just fix me. God helps those who help themselves. I get rid of people who drag me down physically and mentally.

Before I started on the medication, I was very much in the dark a majority of the time. I would have a day here and there of feeling really good and happy… sometimes maybe even a few days at a time … but those times never lasted very long. There were very few things I enjoyed, and I accomplished very little in life. Once the meds took affect and began doing their job, I was capable of experiencing joy again! I was genuinely happy and I was able to do so much more with my life.

With the help of an amazing artist, I created a character for Jet, which makes it much easier to tell the difference between the real me, and what is just the result of Jet sitting on my head yet again. Separating depression from my identity did wonders for my self esteem. The other thing I highly recommend is eat something and get some sleep. I know it’s hard but being as physically fit as possible first really helps when it comes time to fight depression, and when you do fight — fight to win — because you can!

I try to journal regularly to own my emotions and sort out why I might feel a certain way. I don’t think this is a one way ticket to cure depression, but I think in my circumstance this has helped. I think it has also helped to have a couple of close friends to catch up with once a week and just check in. Also, if I need a “nothing day” that is OK. I think it is really important to try to know your body and what is needs during these times, which is not easy as it can take several dark periods to know what is needed.

• Try to get 8 hours of sleep each night. Check out these tips for Ways to Sleep Better.
• Get some sun. Lack of sunlight can make depression worse, and Vitamin D can help a lot. Spend a little time outside every day, or if that’s not possible start taking Vitamin D.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, a spa day, etc.
• Pray. Take it to God and ask Him to keep you from sinking.
• Care for a pet. Pets can be a great way to feel needed and loved. Pets give you purpose because you have someone to take care of. Petting an animal can also help relax you.

There are also more ideas for fighting depression in this post called Choose Joy. You should also follow my Pinterest board Encouragement.