Healthy Tips for Battling Depression
Often throughout my busiest years I have dreamed of an era when I would have unlimited time pursue all the things I love doing. So, frankly, a large part of me was quite thrilled when I arrived home knowing I would be stuck inside for quarantine for a while.
And I CONTINUED to be thrilled for about a week an a half. But, then I hit a slump. I wasn't… bored. Goodness no! I fear that true boredom shall always be an impossibility for me. I have had quite enough to do with organizing, cooking, reading, gardening, and creating. However, at some point I realized that a lot of my motivation comes from the outside world, and I don't mean by experiencing it virtually.
I stand by the claim that I am an introvert (I know more than one of you who will fight me on that), but never before did I realize how much my mental health relies on visiting the grocery store, coffee shops, church, school, and PEOPLE. At some point my brain said, "I'm sorry, but we're going to ignore all the wonderful things we COULD be doing and take a plunge into the 'depths of despair.' Get ready to pull out ALL THE TRICKS you've learned over the past 13 years of clinical depression and dust them off. "
In a moment of pure foolishness (possibly bravery, sometimes the two are confused), I decided to poll my Instagram followers on who would appreciate it if I made a blog post or YouTube video on a few of the coping tricks for mental health that I have learned over the years. I posted it, and went to wash the dishes.
While washing the dishes I got to thinking, "Why the heck did I do that? It's clear that I'm not coping too great myself, and frankly I'm not sure I WANT to focus on making something like this." I had nearly decided to delete my post and continue on with my moping when I returned to check my phone. In only a few minutes, the responses had exploded. I had friends begging me to send tips, and I had others asking me to post daily updates with more information so that the world would see this IS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM.
And at some point I realized that SOMEONE who understands NEEDS to share. Beloveds, the truth is, on a good day a lot more people struggle with depression than any of us realize, but right now even fewer have been left unscathed.
I made a video. It would have been easier to write, and I possibly could have explained things better if I had, but one thing I have learned is that when depression grips hardest reading ANYTHING becomes overwhelming. So! I made a video that I will link here and on a few other areas of my social media. I BEG anyone who is struggling personally or knows someone who is to please share this. The list included is not exhaustive, and I've thought of several more tips since creating it. BUT, these are some of what I consider my most vital, helpful, and healthy coping tips.
I want to start posting more ideas on my Instagram page, and share information for people standing on the sidelines who are watching loved ones fight, but I'm still working on that. For now, please watch and share this video, message me with other tips you have learned, and reach out to the people around you.
***Also! A while back I wrote a post on must-know info about depression. Please check it out. I'll link it here. https://atbsofspice.com/2019/11/24/sometimes-you-have-to-have-faith-in-joy/