right now I'm just kind of getting really depressed. for awhile i'd been doing really well, and now that im falling back into the depression, I don't really know what to do. previously, i would cut myself as a way to try and escape some of the pain..But now I dont want to do that anymore because i know its not a very good way to deal with it. So i was wondering if theres any other ways to help relieve stress or pain?
To Melody,
First of all, please talk to someone. Whether it's a family member, a friend, a significant other, a neighbor, a stranger that sits out on the curb outside of your house while drinking coffee, whomever. Depression is not something that you should handle alone. I've been clinically depressed since I was 12, and the one thing that honestly helped me was finally talking everything out. Of course, I had a family psychiatrist that my mom took her, my sister, and myself to see, but I don't ever expect everyone to be able to do that. As easy as it is for people to say "you need to see someone professional who can help you" that's not always an option for everyone, and I understand this.
However, I know how hard it is to talk to someone, especially if they're the cause of your problems. So, the main thing that honestly does work to help relieve stress is running. You might not be an exercise person, you might even hate the idea of going outside, but running helps. Aside from simply being happier because you're in better shape and feeling good, endorphins play a big role in these results. You might know endorphins as the "feel-good" hormones of the body. It's an opiod chemical that the body uses to help quell pain. They also help slow the aging process, relieve stress and anxiety, and enhance the immune system. And you guessed it -- running can release a flood of these endorphins. There is no quicker fix to helping reduce stress than putting on your jogging shoes and just running around the block. Or up and down the street. I'm always here if you need to talk!
With love,Kat <3