Depression is a kind of mental illness that tortures a person emotionally. It’s now continuously being the major cause of unacceptable suicide cases, especially in the younger generations. This emotional nemesis must be caged but only a few survive the battle.
This article stands as the light at the end of the tunnel for those who are still in a fight with depression. If you’re one of these people or you know someone who is in this unfortunate stage, then don’t leave the page and figure out what you can do to overcome it. Hold on and fight the good fight not only for yourself but most importantly for your future.
1. Set your goals and commit yourself to it
A simple act of setting goals and working hard to achieve it can really make a great change in your life. When you’re drowned in depression, all you can think of is that you’re a good-for-nothing type of a person – when the truth is, you’re not.
Overcome depression by setting goals. Big or small, just set a goal and commit yourself on achieving it. A basic goal of cleaning and/or organising your room, planting more seeds, or learning how to cook can definitely make you feel a lot better. Once you accomplished even the most basic goal, you’ll believe in yourself again that you can do something for a change.
2. Opt for a more active lifestyle
Keeping yourself active and busy most of the times will really create a great impact on your case. A simple regular exercise plays a major role in your general well-being and overall development.
Moreover, when you exercise regularly, your body will be able to produce more endorphins. Also, regular exercise is extremely beneficial to reduce depression and anxiety.
3. Choose healthier foods
Selecting the right foods to eat is also necessary when you’re on the verge of a fight with depression. Though, take note that the foods you eat aren’t like a magic wand that can instantly take away depression in a blink of an eye.
It’s believed that foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. salmon and tuna) and folic acid (e.g. spinach and avocado) can lower depression.
4. Eradicate negativity in your life
When you’re battling with depression, it’s not easy because it feels like all the negativities in the world are being thrown at you. It’s like you’re being smothered with darkness, sadness, doubt and more negativity all at once.
All you can do is to eliminate people, habits, things and anything and everything that you think don’t make you happy anymore. Learn to say no and learn to shut your doors for people, habits, and things that make you suffer.
5. Close doors for fake people
Fake people are those who are pretending to be with you on your downtime but the truth is that they’re happy on what you’re going through. Forgive them in advance and eventually let go of them – close your doors and never ever welcome fake people again.
When you have these kinds of people in your life, you’re more likely to suffer more. They’ll act like they’re an asset in your life, well, in fact, they’re also the ones who are gradually destroying you.
6. Strive harder to get enough amount of sleep
Depression will make it very difficult for you to sleep during bedtime. And a too little amount of sleep can even worsen the situation.
It’s hard when you’re suffering from difficulty in sleeping but you can always do something. You can consult your doctor about your case or change your lifestyle.
Don’t use any blue light-emitting gadgets or devices at least 2 hours before bedtime. This will train your eyes to know when it’s time to shut-off or not.
7. Don’t be ashamed of consulting a doctor
Mental illness like depression is a no joke. And if it keeps on worsening from time to time, you’re advised to see and consult a doctor or a psychiatrist. Never be ashamed of it, it’s their job to help patients, and it’s your responsibility to take care of yourself.
Consulting a doctor will enable you to understand more about your case. You’ll have someone to talk to and trust about what you’re going through.
Most importantly, seeing and consulting a doctor will give you the proper medication and assistance that you need. You’ll know the appropriate things to do and what to avoid.
8. Explore and do something more thrilling
If you’re depressed, it’s possible that you’re locked out of darkness and sadness. Do you want to know this simple thing to fight it? Well, create and make time for yourself to enjoy and explore more about the world – your world.
Allocate some time for you to go on a trip or adventures that will really divert your attention. And you know what, you won’t notice that you’re slowly getting yourself unchained from depression.
Always remember that you and your faith are the best combos to tag along for you to survive whatever life throws at you. Yes, it’s not easy, it’s extremely hard, you have to think about yourself and what’s waiting for you in the next day, the next few days, and next more days.
9. Write down your thoughts whether you’re lonely or not
If you can’t have the courage to talk to someone about what you’re going through right now, let me tell you this, don’t give up because there’s always a way. Writing down about your thoughts or about what you feel is a great help to calm yourself down.
It’s one way of releasing the burden especially if you have trust issues or you’re an introvert. Journals, diaries, and even a simple notebook can be a friend sometimes.
10. Have fun and live life to the fullest
One thing you must think of when battling with depression is, your life belongs to you and you’re intended to live it to the fullest. Don’t ever let depression steal your happiness and cover your life with darkness.
Put in your mind that you’re always stronger than any problems that you have, with your faith and courage, you’ll win the battle. You’re a soldier and you’re not there on the battlefield to lose.
To all the prisoners of depression, hold on to your faith and to the people who believe and trust you. You’re more than enough to give up your life. You’re more than enough to end your life and give up your future. You’re more than enough to be beaten with this mental illness. Stand tall, and shout out loud, “I can overcome it!”
