Help For Depression
If you suffer from a depressive illness you don’t need me to tell you that it is not easy to lift yourself out of that black pit of despair. I can, however, give you a few pointers – then the rest is up to you.
Firstly, you probably did not get to the position you are in now at an exact point in time. Your episode of depression was not suddenly switched on and so it cannot be suddenly switched off. It will take some time to get straight and will have its downs as well as ups.
OK then. To start with don’t expect too much of yourself too soon.
- Begin with small goals. Break big goals into various small steps. When you manage the first then work at holding it and moving to the next. If you set too big a task you are setting yourself up for failure. Each day do the things you can manage and take on a little step forward.
- Try not to spend too much time alone. Be with others but don’t just use them as objects to direct your feelings into. They don’t want to hear them and they will avoid you pretty soon. Just be with them and try to be involved – if only a little. Having company will be better for you even if you feel that you want to be alone.
- Don’t take on any additional responsibilities. This will just serve to overload you with stress. It will also, more than likely, lead to failure and push you back in your recovery.
- Do things that make you feel better especially if they involve other people. Perhaps taking part in some form of exercise such us running or playing tennis. This can be good especially if you have been interested in these things before your illness.
- Don’t take any major decisions until you feel on top of things again. For example, don’t decide to get married or divorced, don’t make big job changes.
You will be enveloped by negative feelings which are difficult to ignore. These are part and parcel of depression. Try to understand that they are not the true you and will disappear as you recover. I know, you can’t believe me fully while you are ill – but it is true.
Whatever anyone may say, you cannot “snap out of it”. If that was possible you would have done it, right? So don’t blame yourself for your condition.
Go get help from a professional. Depression can be much too difficult to beat on your own however supportive the people around you are.