Depression is a subject that not a lot of people would want to talk about. Globally, more than 350 million people of all ages suffer from it. It’s a sensitive topic and a more difficult condition to live through. While there is no cure for depression, the good news is that there are steps that can be taken to overcome it. Here is a guide that can help you if you or a loved one is suffering from depression.
Realize That Your Feelings are Completely Valid
Depression is having the feeling of utter sadness despite how good your circumstances are. Even if you are physical healthy, have a good career, and have a happy family, it doesn’t guarantee that you will good about them. That means your feelings of unhappiness are completely valid. This is the reason that people have no right to tell you that your thoughts and emotions are irrelevant. You also have no right to think that you simply have a psychological problem and that how you think and feel are completely insignificant. On the contrary, you have to realize that your depression is valid and that there is no need for you to defend it against yourself and other people.
Understand That Most of Your Perceptions Are Not True
Despite the fact that your feelings are valid whenever you are depressed, you also have to understand that most of the time, your self-perceptions are not true.
“I will never get out of this mess.”
“Nobody likes me.”
“I am bound to this addiction forever.”
“I am good for nothing.”
All these thoughts are simply lies, because if you come to think of it, depression is mess that you can actually get out of. It’s also not true that nobody likes you, because your parents, your siblings, and your friends really love and like you. Moreover, no addiction can imprison anyone for life. Addictions are breakable and the life of many who addicts who have been set free from their addiction are a proof of that. And finally, it’s not true that you are good for nothing. Each person is unique and possesses a set of skills and strengths exclusive only to them.
Try Not to Isolate Yourself Whenever You Are Depressed
One of the worse things about depression is that it forces you to isolate yourself. It’s main goal is to break down your relationships and connections, so that you will have to deal with your negative thoughts and emotions alone. Depression tells you that you are alone in this battle and that nobody really cares about what you are going through. Again, that is a big lie, and in order to end that lie, you need to actively seek the company of friends and loved ones. Whenever you feel that you are entering a season of depression, do your best not to isolate yourself. Instead, talk to your loved ones about it and tell them that it is a time that you need their presence the most. More often than not, the people who love and care for you the most will be there beside you, supporting you and just loving on you.
It’s Okay to Ask for Help and Support
Another thing depression does is that it makes you feel ashamed of yourself. This prevents you from admitting that you need help and actively seek for one. You need to realize, though, that there is nothing wrong with seeking help and support, either from your loved ones or from mental health experts.
Know and Believe That There is Hope for You
There is no medical cure for depression, but it doesn’t mean you can never overcome it. Depression takes place in the mind, and what you think will often have an effect on how you feel. If you can channel your thoughts from depressing beliefs, you can also change the way you feel about your situation. One way you can do that is by believing that there is hope for you. There was a season in my life that I suffered from depression and anxiety. It lasted for a year and caused other medical problems for me. I thought I could never get out from that season, but I eventually did. I thank the people who were there to support me. The faith I practice also helped me realized that there is hope for me and that I am not designed to be bound to have negative thoughts and feelings all the time. I still get depressed and anxious from time to time, but in my heart of hearts, I believe that there is hope for me and for everybody out there who is constantly fighting against depression.
Are you suffering from depression or know someone who does? Would you like to share some tips and ideas on how you deal with your negative thoughts and emotions? Don’t hesitate to drop your comments below and help make a difference.
The Mindful Way through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness
