As someone with depression, I am so sick of seeing articles and videos that say the same thing over and over. Yes, I know running would help me feel better, but do I even have the energy to do that? No.
So I've decided to make my own list of realistic things that have helped me get through a depressive episode that aren't cliche and overused, but actually helpful. I hope this helps whoever is reading this, even if just a bit.
*DISCLAIMER* these are all things that worked for ME. This list is not guaranteed to help everyone.
1. Keep a water bottle and a snack beside your bed
When I am in the depth of depressive episode, I barely have any motivation to get up, let alone get out of bed. However, dehydration is a big deal, and though I can't make it to the kitchen, it helps to keep a snack in case I get hungry. Reality is that we can't expect people to make it out of bed everyday, but drinking water and nourishing your body are important as well
2. If you CAN make it out of bed, a change in clothes and 30 seconds of brushing your teeth make a world of difference
Even changing or putting on a bra helps so much. Showers can be rough, so just changing your clothes can help you feel more fresh and "ready" to get through the day (are we ever ready, though?). And a quick tooth brushing adds to that, and will wake you up a bit more and helps the depression funk lift a bit.
3. Assuming you need to get up and start your day, but find it hard, allow yourself 30 minutes of laying in bed.
If you want to go right back to sleep when you wake up, I feel you. I laid in bed for an hour earlier (oops). Obviously if you can't drag yourself out of bed, your body is telling you something...it needs rest. But I know that laying in bed is not always feasible. So let yourself relax. Let yourself feel your emotions before you get out of bed. But only for 30 minutes or so, because anything longer than that, the day feels impossible to conquer (for me, at least)
4. After you are ready for the day, step outside for 5 minutes.
I'm NOT saying to take a walk, or go for a run. We KNOW that's a very cliche thing to say. But getting fresh air and feeling my feet in the grass has literally helped me so much this week. I feel more grounded and even could say more satisfied. Will this solve all your problems? No, but its starts your day off better than just going straight to work, school, or whatever you need to do.
5. If you can't make it out the door to go outside, open a window.
Yes, even if it's cold. Sometimes new air will help clear a bit of the brain fog that accumulates.
6. Reach out to a friend before bed
Lately, I've been facetiming a friend right before we both go to sleep. I feel so lonely in the middle of an episode, and it can get really really bad. However, if my best friend is available, sometimes we will just sit in silence doing our own thing. It helps with my anxiety that no one likes me or cares enough about me. And it helps me go to bed feeling slightly less lonely and not letting those thoughts get to me. (I understand that this isn't possible for everyone)
7. Allow yourself to listen to sad music
I know that sometimes it makes me sadder when I listen to depressing music. But its very cathartic and in a twisted sense, makes me not feel as alone in the mental fight. Listening to other people sing or talk about being depressed as well is reassuring that I'm not crazy or making things up. My favorite artist that I cannot get enough of right now is Ethan Jewell, a spoken word artist from Texas. (Not sponsored or anything, I just have an unhealthy obsession). HOWEVER, this may not be good for everyone. Listen to sad music at your own risk
8. Make your bed
I KNOW this is a very common one. But there is a reason that this thing helps. Making my bed makes me feel like I did at least ONE thing that day and even if my room is a depression mess, it feels slightly cleaner.
9. Change the place where you are depressed at
Hear me out- that sounded weird. I find myself in my room often. My emotions get so bogged down and I get so sad and empty sometimes just even WALKING into my room in the midst of a depressive episode, so chilling in the living room switches things up and helps clear the depression fog in my brain. Sometimes I'll lay on the floor instead of my bed, or climb in the bathtub when it's empty. Just SOMEWHERE different from my bed. I don't know what about this helps, but the change really does help me feel a bit better.
10. And the final piece of advice... remind yourself that you are doing your best.
Fine...this IS a cliché piece of advice. But honestly, telling myself that I'm literally surviving a mental battle in the middle of a pandemic really makes me proud of myself. Everyone suffering with mental illness has come so far, and even if you don't feel like you are doing good, you are doing your best. Self-forgiveness is important and I'm just really grasping this. It's OKAY to work at 80%. It's OKAY to not be okay. You are trying your best, and that's all that matters.
Share This Article
