Feeling down and getting back up

Going down is common in depression.  Getting back up is so difficult.  Here are a few tips to help you get up from that down feeling:

1. Write down your feelings.  Then throw them away or burn them
2. Find a trusted friend you can talk to (see my post about networks)
3. Take a walk or engage in a form exercise.  This will release endorphins and give you a natural high
4. Do something nice for yourself.  This doesn't mean go out and purchase the whole mall.  Something small will do.  If you can't afford to get yourself something, make something for yourself.  This could be as simple as a love note to yourself.  It could be elaborate as sewing a new pair of pajama pants (if you have material and thread, etc)
5. Take a nice, long and hot shower
6. Watch your favorite movie
7. Cuddle with your significant other.  If you don't have a significant other (and this is what is bringing you down), cuddle with a pet or stuffed animal.  The beauty of inanimate objects is that they can't hurt your feelings

Don't let things get you down, but if they do, remember there are a plethora of things to do to get back to your happy place!

Today's Tip

Take time for yourself today. It may be just 5 minutes you take to regain your thoughts.  Whatever you do, make sure it's all about YOU!  Take time to write yourself a nice little note about something good you've done.  Praise yourself for even the smallest thing.  You are worth it!  And make sure you know it!
One of the most difficult and most common parts of depression is low self-esteem.  Depression will drag you down to the depths of the unknown and then where do you go from there?  You go farther down.  And it is so hard to get back out and into a self-loving state of mind.  So, for yourself, praise yourself.  You can praise yourself for something as small as waking up on time, making the bed, whatever.  These small steps are actually big in getting you to a happy place.  Congratulate yourself for living, for existing.  You are important and the world deserves you.

The need for a network

I'm not talking about like for a computer.  I'm talking about people!  Having a support network is essential to staying happy and healthy.  Keep people in your support network who you trust.  This could be a therapist, family friend, chat room or IM buddy, anyone.

It's one thing to have it but it's another to utilize it!  You must always utilize your network of people!  If you don't, your network will disintegrate.  This is not good.  Be sure people in your network know they are in your network so they know how to help you.  Be sure you have a lot of resource (people) in your network as well.  If someone isn't around or can't help with a certain issue, there should be someone else you can trust who can help.

Creating and maintaining a network is vital to maintaining optimal mental health.  It can take care of you and help you through situations you otherwise could not conquer on your own.

The beauty of a mind

The mind is a beautiful thing.  What you can do with it is amazing and what it can do to you is equally amazing, and sometimes horrifying.  Here are a few pointers to keep your mind "working for you" in a positive way.

• Tell yourself how wonderful you are.  You don't have to believe it to say it.  I promise, though, you will KNOW it in a short while.
• Believe in yourself even when it's hard to do.  This ties in to the tip above.  It works!
• Remember that tomorrow is a new day and offers a new start.  Today will be over, and when it is, you have tomorrow's freshness to look forward to!

These are only a few things to keep you ticking.  If you have ideas or comments, I encourage you to leave comments.  The more, the better!

New Name, New Face, Same Stuff

I have officially changed my blog!  The new face and name should not deter you.  I will continue to discuss depression in general and help where needed.  Soon, I will be adding a chat room as well.  I encourage comments and lots of them!  I want your feedback!  This blog is meant to be a help-all and a refuge for anyone who needs it.  Thank you!