“That’s the thing about depression: A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it’s impossible to ever see the end. The fog is like a cage without a key.” – Elizabeth Wurtzel
If you want to help yourself and feel good and happy again – practice these simple yet effective techniques that will do wonders for your well-being.
1.Don’t Try To “Fix” Yourself
You are not broken. A person with depression is not broken. You are simply dealing with something that is so common nowadays, but it is a serious mental condition that needs to be treated by professionals. You should only accept and love yourself as you are.
2. Don’t Pretend That It Does Not Exist
Don’t try to pretend that there is nothing wrong with you. Depression is a serious mental illness and telling yourself that you are fine when you are not, is not going to solve anything. Acknowledge your pain and your struggle. It is all real.
3. Talk It Out and Validate Your Feelings
Don’t ignore your feelings. Talk about them with a therapist or a close friend or family member. This will help you deal better with your situation. Bottling up your thoughts and emotions will never help you. You should identify them and let them out.
4. Dance
One man once said that if you’ve never danced like a drunk person, you don’t know how dancing is the ultimate mental exercise for improving the mood. So, shake your hips, do the twist, and get lost in the rhythm.
5. Travel
No, you don’t need to flight to an exotic and expensive destination. Simply getting away from your surroundings can have a healing effect. The important thing is to travel alone. No matter where you go, you’ll come back with a clearer and healthier mind.
6. Workout
Working out increases your blood flow which is an important factor in your cognitive health. Moreover, it releases endorphins which are powerful anti-stress hormones. Also, working our increases the growth of new brain cell, also called neurogenesis. You will release all your build-up anger and you will feel relieved and motivated again.
7. Go Easy on The Positivity
You don’t have to be smiling around your friends all the time. Even more so, don’t surround yourself with overly positive people all the time if you don’t feel like it. Take everything easy and don’t rush yourself to feel happy instantly.
Finally, keep in mind that depression is a mental illness that needs patience more than anything. It also needs diligence and probably a professional medical help. But you will be okay if you are willing to accept your condition and really want to be happy again.
