Struggling with depression can feel like being stuck in a deep, dark, hole with no way out.
Its filled with negative self-talk, insecurities, and self-doubt.
According to research, in 2017-18, more than three million Australians live with anxiety or depression.
If you’re struggling to pull yourself out of the dark hole that is depression, I hope that these tips work as well for you as they have for me!
Personally, depression comes in waves, most days its good, but some days suck. It took me a long time to recognise that it was negative self-talk and anxiety that played on my insecurities and self-doubt. The most common one was “you’re not good enough”.
Why am I not good enough?
*Cue the list of everything I was insecure about*.
Until one day I told my anxiety, negative self-talk, and self-doubt thoughts to stop.
- Which is my first tip, tell those thoughts to stop, until they do. For example, if it happens in front of the mirror in the morning, do what you need to do before those thoughts come creeping in and if they do say the word stop until it does (in your head, of course, not out loud lol).
- Second, learn to say no. If you don’t want to go out on a date, say no. If you want to be by yourself and don’t feel like seeing people who have invited you out, its okay to say “no, I’m not feeling like it tonight”. Putting yourself first is not something you should never feel guilty about and saying no is the first place to start taking back your power!
- Third, learn about the importance of routine. You can find a past article on that here.
- Reach out to someone you can trust and tell them about what’s been going on. Depression isn’t something that should be handled alone.
- Seek professional help, there are many great treatment options that therapists can recommend (therapy/medication/breathing exercises & more). Also if you would like an article on this in more detail let me know!
Shae.
P.S. If you want to join the conversation see our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/safespace4u/
P.S.S If you need a support group check out our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/181345249463243/?ref=bookmarks
P.S.S.S. If you need someone to talk to or immediate help (in Victoria, Australia) see: http://www.mentalhealthcompass.com.au/helplines