I can feel myself falling back into my depression. As the days go by, it gets harder for me to stay positive and I've been super stressed. I do NOT want to fall back into the hole I once was in. Is there any way I can get myself up on my feet again before I hit rock bottom? -sunflower
It’s good that you recognize that you’re relapsing back into depression. You can’t stop something if you don’t even realize it’s happening in the first place! And recognizing that there is an issue is the first step to recovery. The next step is wanting to get help, and the next step after that is reaching out for that help! So you’ve already completed the first step, and it looks like you’re on the way to the second and third step because you’ve messaged us for advice. Even though it might seem like you’re falling back into your depression, there’s a part of you that’s trying to fight it by reaching out for help, which is great!
How did your climb out of the hole that was your depression the first time?? Try to utilize those same techniques to keep your depression from coming back.
Here are my own personal tips that have helped me with my depression, and I think they could help keep your depression from getting worse! :)
Talk to people about how you’re feeling. People that are the most successful in recovery are often the ones who not only seek professional help, but who also have a good network of emotional support that they obtain from friends, family, and loved ones. It’s very unhealthy to keep these kinds of thoughts and feelings to yourself. Depression has a way of eating you from the inside out, especially if you don’t talk to people about what’s going on. So make sure to talk to people about how you are feeling!
Join a support group (in your case, a support group for people with chronic illnesses in general or your specific chronic illness). Support groups can be a great way to meet others who are struggling with similar things. When you are surrounded by others who understand what you’re going through, you can then lean on each other for support and help motivate each other to keep going.
Journal. It may sound silly, but journaling can really help you feel better! It’s a great outlet to release all of these negative emotions you are experiencing. However, make sure not to fall into the trap that many people fall into when they try journaling. Oftentimes people begin journaling, but make the mistake of only writing about negative things. This then causes them to focus and dwell on their depression, which can make it worse. To prevent this from happening, at the end of every journal entry, make sure to either write a) One thing you like about yourself, b) one good thing that happened that day, c) one positive quote / inspirational quote, or d) one thing you’re looking forward to.
Stay busy, especially at night. Loneliness and nighttime are your two biggest enemies when you are depressed. They tend to amplify depressive feelings and make things even worse. So try to keep yourself as busy as possible! Try to plan out your days ahead of time and fill them with things to do. Maybe the night before create a “to do” list for the next day, but fill that to-do list not only with necessary things like homework and errands but also with fun, hobby related things as well. So for example, make a to do list like this:
9 am - go grocery shopping
11 am - meet with friend for lunch
2 pm - read “Game of Thrones”
4 pm - start cooking dinner
8 pm- watch a few episodes of Greys Anatomy
Always have a book to read, a movie to watch, or a TV show to start. Maybe keep a list of books to read, movies to watch, tv shows to start, music to download, or things to do handy so that if you are bored or you’re starting to feel bad you can go to that list and do the things on it.
Start a new hobby. Have you always wanted to learn how to knit? Well, why not start now! Have you ever wanted to perfect your drawing skills? Maybe look into a drawing club / drawing class! Not only will these things help keep you busy, but they will also help you broaden your horizons and learn new skills!
Look in the mirror every morning (or night) and say one good thing about yourself. Anything from “I like my smile” to “I like that I’m a good friend” to “I like that I’m good at drawing.”
Ask your friends to write down what they like about you. Ask your family members to do so as well. Then keep this list somewhere you can see it and read it everyday: like your mirror in your room or closet door.
Get out of the house. When you have depression, it can be hard to get out of your house, because all you want to do is lay in bed. But that will actually make things ten times worse. Try to get out of the house as much as possible. Go for frequent walks. Go hiking. Immerse yourself in nature. Go to the park and have picnics with friends. Hang out with friends at the mall. Go shopping, even if you don’t buy anything. Explore. Anything that gets you out of the house and moving!
Create a bucket list. Give yourself stuff to look forward to in the future! Write down all of the places you want to go, things you want to do, people you want to meet, etc.
Work towards your dreams and goals. You can add these to the bucket list I mentioned above. Then try to figure out ways you can make them come true! Working towards something can help give you a sense of purpose and meaning which can help keep those depressive feelings at bay.
Travel. Even if it’s just day trips or weekend trips. Seeing new places and meeting new people is good for the soul!
Follow inspirational / recovery blogs on Tumblr. You can find some good ones here: http://tswatch.tumblr.com/OtherHelpfulTumblrs If you see any quotes that really resonate with you, print them out and put them on your wall. Maybe get a corkboard that you can hang up so you can put inspirational quotes / pictures on there!
Get creative. Draw, write, paint, scrapbook, take pictures, create things for people. Anything like this can also be a good way to express your emotions and channel your feelings into something productive!
Take care of yourself. Make sure to get enough sleep every night. Try to exercise at least 3 times a week. Eat healthy. Take care of your body like it deserves to be taken care of!
Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol is a depressant and will actually worsen your depression, contrary to popular belief. Caffeine can make anxiety a lot worse.
Try yoga or mediation to relax. A lot of people find these very helpful and relaxing.
The best thing you can do to prevent yourself from falling back into depression is by reaching out for help. Is there anyone you can talk to about this, such as any friends, family members, or even a professional? You don’t have to fight this battle on your own, love. You’ll be more likely to win this war if you have your friends, family, and professionals on your side!