Here's What Anyone Dealing with Depression Should Remember ...

Depression is an affliction that affects many of our fellow humans but if you are dealing with it on a daily basis, there are a couple of important things that you should remember that will make you feel better. Often people who are dealing with this emotional disorder have to face other challenges too like anxiety, eating disorders, alcoholism or body dysmorphia. It’s extremely important to never give up and to keep in mind that there is always hope and that things will get better, even though sometimes, it may not seem like such a thing is possible. Here are a few important things that anyone dealing with depression should remember:

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There is Always Hope

Even if it may seem hard to believe sometimes, just keep in mind that there is always hope, that things are not as bad as you think they are. Depression makes you think this way and all those feelings of loneliness and hopelessness that you are feeling can erase any sense of logic and reason from your brain. Don’t expect to feel good all the time because such a thing is not possible, we all experience highs and lows. Just stay strong and don’t give up!

Work on Cultivating a Sense of Self-Compassion

If you are struggling with depression, self-compassion is key, so don’t be so hard on yourself. We all have flaws since nobody is perfect. Just try to accept yourself just the way you are and focus on the things that make you unique and special. You have so much to be grateful for!

Exercise is the Most Amazing Antidepressant

Exercise really is one of the most effective but underrated treatments for anxiety or depression. Even though the last thing you want to do sometimes when you are feeling down is exercise, just put on your shoes, get up and move. Regular exercise will work wonders on your mood.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help!

Struggling with depression can be very challenging but you don’t have to go through this alone! Ask for help when you need it. Join a support group, share your rants and connect with others. A lot of studies have shown that helping others out can also help you.

Related: 9 Myths about Depression ...

Don’t Spend Too Much Time Alone!

Spending too much time alone when you are dealing with depression is always a bad idea. Don’t isolate yourself! Even if you think that being by yourself is all you need to feel better, it actually isn’t. Don’t alienate yourself from the company and support of your friends, family and loved ones. Allow them to be there for you and to show you how much they love you.

Social Media Can Really Exacerbate a Sense of Alienation

When you are feeling depressed, looking at other people’s expertly crafted happy photos on Facebook is not such a good idea. A lot of research has demonstrated that Facebook can make you unhappy and that all those pictures that show people having fun and partying all the time can make you feel less grateful for what you have.

You Have a Lot of Happy Memories Lying Ahead

When you are feeling down, try to visualize all those happy days that are lying ahead of you, just waiting for you to claim them. Think about the wonderful things that you would like to do and imagine yourself doing them and having fun. This will motivate you to work hard and fulfill your dreams and it will also make your struggle with depression easier.

If you are dealing with this debilitating emotional disorder, keep in mind that this is not permanent and that things will get better; eat healthy, exercise, don’t isolate yourself and don’t lose hope since you can make it out. Have you ever dealt with depression? What advice would you give to someone struggling with this emotional disorder? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section!

Sources:
lifehack.org
thoughtcatalog.com
huffingtonpost.com

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

If I could give anyone advice, I would tell them this: Focus on the present. Realize what you have now in this moment, and try to make the most of what you can now. Because eventually, changes. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. And if you feel like you can't go on by more, please remember this; There are people who love you, people who want to see you happy. Don't give up! When I feel what seems to be a total sense of hopelessness, which I must confess, is happening persistently lately, I remember this. If you're dealing with depression, it's okay to not be okay sometimes.There's no need to be ashamed of what you feel! I try to keep this in mind, bc I myself have a tendency to feel overwhelming shame about my mental conditions.So I try my best to embrace self- compassion; it DOES make things easier! I would strongly recommend this skill to a person dealing with depression.

Thank you.

I am 24 years old, and have been dealing with mental health issues, Bipolar and a PTSD since the age of 11, at least.

Yes indeed, thank you Corina! I have suffered from clinical depression since at least 1996, which was the first time I sought medical treatment. People tend to think of depression as sitting alone in a dark room feeling as if there are no tomorrows. But we need to realize that depression can manifest itself in anger, resentment, retaliation, as well as isolation. I have been taking those "miracle" drugs, Prozac and Wellbutrin for over 20 years, and while they help, we should realize they are only part of a treatment and not a cure. You are SO RIGHT about exercise. A regular exercise routine brings me more happiness, peace and satisfaction than bottles filled with generic medications I can't even spell or pronounce! I have also found music to be a great source of real joy and happiness! In fact, any artistic endeavor can be therapeutic, even just deciding to pain a wall in your house or apartment a different color! When I paint, I get out my Led Zep CD's and play 'em on the boom-box...or I put Paramore in my car CD, turn up the sound as loud as I can and drive for an hour, singing as loud as I want! And finally, animals are great therapists! You will never be alone if you have a pet! And the best thing about pets is they don't ask questions, and they don't judge. Don't ever be afraid to admit you are depressed, and don't ever be afraid to find treatment. 😎

@Hiya good on you for speaking up. Things will get better one day. You're such a brave teenager. I don't understand why some people don't think that depression is a mental illness like that other person that commented

When you don't know what the future...

It's it an easy thing to go through. I am currently fighting depression myself. Some days are better but it's hard to stay positive when you know the future truly holds for you....thanks for the article!

Wow, this post is actually making me cry.Ive been dealing with depression since last September because my controlling ex brutally raped me.Sine then, I've lost a lot of weight, have eating disorders, failing at school, throwing tantrums and hurting myself.I can make a long list of disorders in suffering from and I feel like things are getting worse.I always feel weak and hopeless especially since my dad believes it's all my fault.I would never wish depression on anybody, not even my worst nightmare.Please Allah help me through this.

To all of you posters who suffer depression- don't give up . Try to talk to someone ,even a stranger about how you feel. Sometimes when you have clinical depression you can have treatment to help the serotonin balance that may do the trick. Cyclical depression is when certain dates on the calendar come round like Xmas,birthdays etc and these times pass. At some point in our lives we all suffer depression for a while so usually if you confide in someone they understand and do anything to try to help you. Try to smile and give thanks each day for things you really are grateful for even like you can see ,walk,talk etc . You are not alone ,never forget that.

@Michelle depression IS a mental sickness

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