I, like many of you have stumbled upon this here blog entry, have experienced the dark entity that is depression. I tried writing this early last week, but couldn’t. I didn’t have the mental energy as I fought off this pesky demon. So, I complied a small list to help you get through this. It helps me, so hopefully it helps you too.
1.) Get Out Of Bed
I know this sounds obvious to some people, but trust me this can be a daunting task. Remember to just take baby steps. I’m not asking you to run a marathon or even go grocery shopping. Just, get out of bed. Even if all you do is go to the couch. (You’ll have to move from there eventually too… probably.)
2.) Brush Your Teeth
As someone who usually does floss every night (yes I’m being serious) slacking on my dental health is a sure sign of an impending bout of depression. At the very least brush those strange exposed bits of bone in your mouth. If you can’t seem to find the energy to brush twice a day, opt to brush at night before bed and swish a healthy amount of mouthwash in the morning. Slowly, you’ll be able to add in one more task to feeling fresh.
3.) Take A ‘Sort Of Shower’
Yes, a ‘sort of shower’. Now, a ‘sort of shower’ can vary per person. Some people will only wash their hair, others wash their pits and spritz on cologne/perfume. I met someone before that would spray Febreze on her outfit if she wasn’t able to shower. I myself, use deodorant, a spritz of perfume, and dry shampoo to vanquish the grease and oils that invade my hair. It gives the illusion that I human’ed and actually took a shower. Seriously, the stuff [dry shampoo] is made of magic. It’s like a witch lives in my bathroom and confines herself to this aerosol can of wonder. Dry shampoo, deodorant, and a little bit of perfume go a long way in making yourself feel a little fresher, and to fool those around you.
4.) Watch A Funny Show/Movie
I feel like this is overplayed. IT’S FOR A GOOD REASON THOUGH! Ok, you got out of bedand made it to the couch. Perhaps you swished minty mouthwash, maybe you sprayed your head with magical dry shampoo, maybe you didn’t. You got out of bed though, and that is an achievement. Trust me. It is. Now, put on something that will make you at least smile a little. My mood is pretty shit right now, so I have Bob’s Burgers on. Find a comedy, cartoon, compilation of hilarious youtube videos and put it on. It will NOT cure your depression (none of this will really) but it will make you feel a little bit better.
5.) Go Outside
The sun is out there. At least, it should be. If you live in East PA like me though, the sun JUST came out of hiding. (Update: It’s raining. Again.) The sun wants you to feel better. You don’t need to go for a walk. Just go outside for a couple minutes. If you have a dog, they want you to go outside too; preferably with them.
6.) Eat Food
When my depression is bad, I don’t eat. I can’t find the energy to even pour myself a bowl of cereal. All I can seem to muster up and do is make coffee, and I’m told coffee isn’t a meal. So, if I can’t find the energy to make food, what am I/you to do? Order delivery of course. Greasy pizza and wings (or whatever your poison is) is 100% better than not eating at all or opting to only drink a cup of coffee and pretend it’s food.
7.) And Lastly, Seek Help.
If you’re able to: seek a therapist, especially if your depression is long lasting. They’ll be able to help you get through this one step at a time. There are even sites that allow you to see a therapist via text messages and video chat if you can’t see one traditionally. (think BetterHelp, 7 Cups of Tea, TalkSpace) Hang in there. It sounds cliche, but this too, shall pass. If your depression is extremely severe and is accompanied by suicidal thoughts and/or self harm, and you can’t see a therapist ASAP, I urge you to go to the hospital and seek help there.
Remember, take care of yourself. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Take it one day at a time, one thing at a time, one goal at a time.
You’ve done this before. You can do it again.
Note: All photos found on Pinterest
Nikki Haase: Author/Writer 