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5 Realistic Ways to Help Beat Depression

Because sometimes, tea and a good book doesn't cut it.

By Xaivier ThompsonPublished 6 years ago 8 min read
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Depression is tough. One minute you're on top of the world and next thing you know, it's all crumbling down. Sometimes it feels absolutely hopeless; like there's nothing you can do. And when you go on the internet to try and find some help, nothing works.

As someone who struggles with Depression, I completely get it. If you're like me, then you're tired of hearing these online mental health "gurus" preach that "You just need to get out more!" or "You just need to be happy!"

This list isn't like that. Here, I've compiled five different ways of coping with Depression that may actually help you.

Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is currently in a crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US) at 1-800-273-8255, or seek emergency services immediately.

1. Get Up, Get Moving

Depression tends to leave us in a slump. We don't really have the motivation to do much of anything, and trying to find that motivation is even harder. However, if you're reading this list, that means you want to feel better and that's the first step.

Go ahead and stand up. Do a few stretches. Find something to do. It doesn't have to be big. You don't need to deep-clean your house to start feeling better. If you're already feeling down and overwhelmed, you're not gonna want to take on a huge, overwhelming task.

Doing a few small, easy chores is a great place to start. I know, it doesn't sound fun, but you don't have to do much. Studies show that having a cluttered, messy house can increase your stress levels.

Here's a few easy chores that won't take more than a few minutes, and will leave you feeling a little bit better:

  • Do the Dishes
  • Vacuum or Sweep
  • Dust
  • Wipe off Mirrors/Windows
  • Put things Back where they Belong
  • Make your Bed
  • Organize Something

Another thing you could do if you feel up to it is exercising. Again, it doesn't have to be anything major. Exercising releases chemicals in your brain (endorphins) that make you a bit happier. Yoga is easy to start, gets you off the couch, and helps with releasing those endorphins. Here's a great website to get you started.

2. Take care of yourself.

Another terrible thing about Depression is the fact that, well, it gets us down. We don't feel like taking care of ourselves sometimes, but we have to push through and break out of that cycle of self-depreciation. You deserve better.

Start with just a shower or a bath. Cleanliness is next to happiness, after all. Wanna get fancy? Try a bubble bath, or using a bath bomb. Use that fancy soap your mom gave you for Christmas.

Exfoliate your face or skin if you're up to it. It'll leave you feeling a little lighter.

Put on some make-up if that's your thing. Go wild with it. Experiment with different looks or try a crazy make-up tutorial. Make-up is an art form and there's all sorts of art out there. Who says you have to stick with one style?

Put on some clean clothes. Doesn't have to be anything fancy. Some PJ's work fine.

Get something in your system. When's the last time you ate? It could be helpful to get something in your system, whether it be a cup of cocoa, or a full-on meal. Cooking can be a coping skill in itself and it's important to nourish your body.(Keep in mind to avoid stress-eating.)

Taking care of your body helps with your feeling of self-worth. These may seem like little things, but nothing is too small when it comes to helping to fight Depression.

3. Be mindful of your media.

I'm guilty of this one myself. I'll find myself in a depressive funk and start listening to sad music. While, yes, it's always good to find media you can relate to, it's not always so helpful.

Turn off the sad music. Trust me, it's not helping you. Sometimes, sad music can even trigger your Depression, so it's best to only listen to it in moderation. If you're already depressed, then you know that listening to Korn at max-volume isn't going to brighten your mood. Try switching the sad tunes for peppier, or more relaxing music. You'd be surprised how much your mood will change after a simple change of genres.

Speaking of negative media, the internet is flooded with negativity. You don't need to surround yourself with that. There are so many YouTube and Facebook videos out there of people bashing one another. Ask yourself, "Do I really need to be scrolling through the "depression" tag on Tumblr?" "Is this really helping me right now?" Find something you know will brighten your mood, or simply disconnect from the internet for a bit.

Sometimes even TV can get us down. Ever found yourself watching the news and losing faith in humanity? Doesn't really help much, does it? Change the channel. It's hard to be sad when you're watching kittens on Animal Planet.

4. Make some changes.

As messed up as it seems, Depression has a lifestyle that comes with it. It's not really one that we choose, but it is one we can change.

Stop isolating yourself. Reply to those texts. Meet up with some friends. Get out of the house. You won't benefit from constantly staying home alone. Even if you're just going out to get groceries, it gets you out of the house and out doing something.

Pick up a few hobbies. From art, to video games, to music. There's something to do. Low on materials? Try singing. Try jogging. Don't knock it until you try it. Here's a list of hobbies to try out.

Get a pet. I know it's not cheap, but if you have the time, space, and money for it, it could be quite beneficial to get a pet. Even when you feel like no one wants to listen to you, your pet will always be there for you. Not to mention, there's a sense of purpose one can gather from taking care of a pet.

Go outside. Just sit outside and people-watch. Breathe in the fresh air. Get some sunlight. Sunlight is a great source of Vitamin D, which has been shown to help with your mood.

Adjust your diet. Depression tends to make us a little lazy. While it's convenient to eat shredded cheese straight from the bag, it doesn't count as a meal. Take the time to cook a meal, or even consider changing your diet. Eating better gives us more energy and has the power to change your mood. (Also, stay hydrated!)

Adjust your attitude. No, I'm not trying to say "You just need to be happy!" I don't think that's ever magically cured anyone's Depression. I know with a lot of people, that Depression tends to make us apathetic. Find something you're passionate about. If you love cats, make a blog about cats. Love politics? Get involved in a movement. Find something you love and run with it.

5. Fight back!

Our reality is defined by how we view it. If we see ourselves as hopeless, then that is what we will be. Depression is an illness, and like any illness, we have the power to fight it!

How do you view Depression? I've had a doctor tell me that Depression is a deep sadness you can't shake off. While it was technically true, it led to many years of perpetual sadness for me. I took his words to heart, and I believed that besides medication, there was no way for me to overcome this sadness.

It wasn't until many years later, I discovered a new revelation with my mental illness. I was playing a video game of all things when it hit me. I was fighting a monster that had the power to put people into despair and I started thinking, "Man, this is a lot like my situation right now." Then it clicked. That monster was my Depression. My character was fighting Depression.

I translated it into real life. Depression is not part of my personality. Depression is an illness. When I'd start to feel depressed, I started thinking of that monster, and how I'd let it take control of my life for so long. I'd had enough! I got mad at the monster! How dare it take so many years of my life away from me? I deserve better.

How about you? How long will you let the monster take control of your life? You have every right to get mad at your sadness. You deserve so much better, but you have to reach for it. It's not easy.

It starts with the little steps. There is no such thing as a "hopeless cause" when it comes to Depression. There is help for you, if you're willing to get it. There are countless support groups on the internet, as well as local support groups. There are many different therapies, coping skills, and people willing to support you through this.

Resources are abundant. There are many different tools out there to help you fight this monster and you are not alone in this battle. There are many people who love and care about you, and are cheering you on in this fight.

Gather Support

I can not say it enough: Depression is an illness, and like any illness, there is a way to fight it.

Do not fight it alone. There are many people who believe in you. You will get through this and there are many better days to come.

The average treatment for Depression involves therapy and medication. It's a long process, but it's worth it if it means your quality of life will improve.

There is no shame in accepting help when you need it. Everyone needs help now and then.

Looking for resources to get started? Here's the website that saved my life.

You can get through this. You are stronger than your Depression.

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About the Creator

Xaivier Thompson

Eating shredded cheese straight from the bag since 2011.

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