Do you sometimes feel like you have not accomplished as much as everyone around you? Do you long for relationships and friendships that other people are enjoying? Do you constantly find yourself wondering about why everyone is out to get you? Well, you might be suffering from depression my friend and trust me, it is better to admit to it than not. After all, you can only cure a disease after you diagnose it. It’s okay to admit that you are suffering from depression so you can start to fight depression before it consumes you and your life.
In the world today, there are a million reasons to feel depressed, but only one to fight them; mental and physical peace. Sounds easier said than done, doesn’t it? Well, because IT IS. It’s easier said than done, but with willpower and motivation, it will be easier done and said.
Let’s look at a few ways to fight depression:
1. Admit to it
Diagnose yourself to know if it really is depression that you’re experiencing. Do you have fatigue, insomnia, lack of interest and joy in anything, pessimistic thoughts, feelings of guilt, helplessness and worthlessness? Do you also have trouble concentrating and remembering things? Are you experiencing aches, headaches, digestive problems, loss of appetite and even suicidal thoughts? If you have more than four or five of these symptoms, it is depression that you have got. Don’t be ashamed to admit to yourself or your family and friends about your problem as they can help out a lot with your recovery. If self-help doesn’t render results, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. You will be doing yourself and your family a huge favor.
2. Train your mind
Your mind can be your enemy as well as your most powerful tool. You have no idea how much power you have over your mind and how it can prove helpful to you in any given situation. If you have negative, guilty or even suicidal thoughts, start questioning yourself (aloud if it helps):
When you have guilty thoughts, think:
What am I guilty for? Can I fix it with an apology or reformation or any other way? Have I done lifetime and irreversible damage to myself or others? Am I not doing the best I can? Is there any way I can improve the situation?
When you have negative thoughts, think:
What is the bright side of this situation? How has this difficulty made me a stronger and better person? Can the situation be any worse? Aren’t there people in this world with worse situations and lives than mine? Can I make this situation any better? Why am I sure that I will fail? Have I seen the future? Am I self-afflicting failure upon myself?
When you have suicidal thoughts, think:
So what if I die? Do I know what will happen after? How can I be sure that death is the answer to my pain? Will my death help me and my family? Is it not too selfish to save myself pain and direct it towards my loved ones? Do they deserve this? Do I deserve this?
Find your resolutions in your answers. Question the root of your problems and see what answers you can find. Counter every negative thought in your head with a positive one. Always find the brighter side of the situation. Practice yoga to learn how to make your mind go blank and to block all thoughts.
3. Surround yourself with positivity
Choose to stay with people who bring out the best in you, who always cheer you up, who understand your problems and try to help you solve them. Avoid drama queens and toxic people altogether. Read books that are motivating and filled with encouragement. Choose to watch movies that make you laugh and feel alive and not bring out feelings of sadness, grief and depression. If you live a tough lifestyle, find time for yourself to do things you like. Spend on yourself, watch the sunrise, eat ice cream, go to your favorite restaurants etc. Do things which evoke feelings of euphoria, pleasure and happiness.
4. Keep busy
Keeping yourself in routine and not giving yourself time to think is the best you can do to fight depression. An empty head is the devil’s workshop which in this case it really is. Don’t give yourself time to think. Keep yourself busy at all times whether even just reading a book or cooking. Don’t let yourself get to yourself. You can fight and win wars with others, but fighting a war with yourself is the most difficult thing anyone has to ever do (considering your mind knows all your weaknesses and sensitive points and attacks them with no hesitation). Make a routine for yourself and stick to if you’re not working.
Stay tuned for part 2 and while you wait, please leave more tips to fight depression if you have any.
Disclaimer: Please note that we are not and do not claim to be professionals and you should seek professional and medical help regarding your mental and physical health.
