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I’m thrilled #HowIFightDepression is trending. I’ve been diagnosed with severe anxiety and severe depression. I’m on meds,seeing a therapist & doing my homework. There’s hope for EVERYONE. Please read this thread even if it is your family member or friend living with depression.
#HowIFightDepression 1. ADMIT IT; It’s ok. It is your body trying to deal with something just like fever fights infection. And once you share it with others...it’ll blow you away how many others have it too.
2. ALLOW IT; Ever try to suppress a sneeze? How’d that work out?Allow the feelings,don’t suppress them.Sit back & examine the feelings and the thoughts. Don’t let ‘em scare you. I find it helps if I share with someone that I am having anxiety as it happens #HowIFightDepression
3. UNDERDTAND IT; An incredible place to start is checkupfromtheneckup.ca (thanks @mooddisordersON) There are so many other resources on the web and at the library. #HowIFightDepression
#HowIFightDepression 4. DO SOME HOMEWORK; Journaling is very therapeutic. Just a line a day is ok (“I feel..”). It’s funny how after a few entries you see patterns & triggers. I also use a workbook #MindOverMood by Christine Padesky @Padesky & there are others but check reviews
5. TEAM UP; You need a doctor on your team first. Some docs still don’t think depression is serious so find another doctor who does. Advocate for your own health. Yep, sometimes it will be a fight. You’re worth it. Add others, family, friends, counsellors #HowDoIFightDepression
6. NEVER SURRRNDER; So you don’t feel like leaving the house. Do it anyway. You would rather sleep? Get up! Fight...fight...fight! Just because I said ACCEPT IT in #1 does not mean surrender to it. Do one thing today that you don’t feel like doing. #HowIFightDepression
7. BREATHE; When you feel the first signs of anxiety, stop, close your eyes (unless u r driving) and listen to your breath. Nothing else. You need to put yourself in the present. Anxiety is worry about the future or past. Be in the present for a bit... #HowIFightDepression
...if you get distracted while listening to your breath here is a great breathing technique called “box breathing”. Close your eyes, slowly breathe in for 8 seconds, hold it for 8 seconds and then slowly breathe out for 8 seconds. Repeat. #HowIFightDepression
8. SUPPORT THEM-NO MATTER WHAT; For family & friends close to someone with depression, even tho you feel like they’re always sad & what’s the use cuz no matter what u say or do has no effect,stick with them! U make a difference just being there,not giving up #HowIFightDepression
These are only a few tips that I’ve shared. They work! It is going to require effort & I know with depression often comes lack of motivation. Take one step today. That’s all. Tomorrow maybe another step and so on and so on...#YouAreWorthIt #YouAreNotAlone #HowIFightDepression
