Recognizing that you need help is the first step in the right direction… it’s cheesy, but it’s true. Dealing with depression can be a pretty difficult task, especially when you’re trying to do it on top of everything else you have going on in your life. With school, work and a social life, fighting a depression can be the most draining part of your day.
In 2013, the American Psychological Association reported that 95% of college counseling center directors surveyed said the number of students with significant psychological problems is a growing concern in their center or on campus. In 2020, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline received 833,598 calls.
When I started my fight against the disease, I didn’t know the best way to go about it. Here are 10 ways that helped me get started.
1. Get out of bed
One of the hardest things to do when you’re depressed is getting out of bed. It seems easy, I know, but when you’re dreading the day because you’re depressed, getting out and facing the world is a major challenge. Hiding under the covers may be comfy, but when you’ve lost most of the day because you got up at 3 p.m., you’ll regret it. Even if you can’t leave your room right away, I still recommend you get up and make your bed. That’s two things done in one moment that you should be proud of. It helps start your day.
2. Take a shower
Taking a moment to let the warm water wash everything away is still one of my favorite things to do. Obviously it can’t cleanse the depression away, but it can make you feel like you’re getting a fresh start to the day. Letting the water cover you as you take some deep breaths and say a couple uplifting affirmations can help your mind reset a little bit and help you get in the right mindset to face the day.
3. Open the blinds/curtains
This is another one of those things that sounds silly when you read it, but I promise it makes a difference. Sitting in your dark room, under the covers just adds to the dark atmosphere that your depression is creating. Getting some sunlight and fresh air circulating in your room can change the whole vibe.
4. Drink some water
Yet another cliche, I know. Water is something that we need to survive. Too often, it’s forgotten about when you look at the other options you may have, but your body needs water. You’ll feel more hydrated and refreshed. You’ll have to pee, a lot, but when you’re sleeping better at night and seeing clearer skin, you’ll be thankful.
5. Listen to music
Music is known to be the way that we express ourselves when we don’t know how to. Put together a playlist that makes you happy or you can just relax and vibe to. Don’t turn on your sad girl hours playlist. We need to see that bad bitch playlist so that you can start recognizing your worth. You’re a star and you need to feel like one!
6. Put on some nice clothes
Taking a moment to play dress up was one of my favorite things to do. Switching out of my pj’s and switching into some jeans and a cute top could make me feel ready to take on the day, even when I was just going to sit on the couch that day. It’s a mindset thing.
7. Eat a healthy snack
While we all love to purge and go to town on some Girl Scout Cookies or our favorite bag of chips, there’s something rewarding when you eat a healthier option. Your body feels better when it’s eating less processed foods. Popping some grapes or snacking on an apple can be super refreshing. It’s fresh and sweet and makes you feel healthier.
8. Watch your go-to show
We all have our comfort shows that we go to when we need a good laugh or cry. Mine’s The Office. That show was on repeat every single day as I was battling my depression. You get a connection with characters. You fight through their problems together, you watch them fall in love, you do it all together. You’re there for them, let them be there for you.
9. Reach out to your friends
I know how hard this can be. You worry that you might annoy them with your problems. I promise you that most friends would rather hear about your problems than let you suffer alone. Now, don’t make it the point of every conversation and make them feel like they can’t talk about their problems too. I promise they will listen to you though. What else are friends for?
10. Understand you’re not alone
The whole fight makes you feel alone. No one understands you or your feelings, they don’t know what you’re going through, they’ll never understand. False. EVERYONE is fighting their own battles. Just because their battle is different, it does not invalidate your own. It’s tough, but it’s true.
Obviously some of these things won’t help certain people, but it’s a matter of testing it out and seeing what works best for you. Regardless of it all, understand you’re not alone and you’ve got this!
