Depression is always one of the hardest battles we face in our lives and it's even harder to battle when you're going at it alone.
I thought it might be a good idea to share with you guys what always calmed me down and helped brighten my spirits when I was down. Starting with 4 of my most important points of advice.
1. Communication is so important and necessary in your recovery. I went months bottling it up inside because I had it imprinted in my brain that everyone would find it annoying, so I ended up cutting myself off from everybody and being more depressed than I should have been. Communicate ! Whether it be talking in person, through text, email even. You need to let somebody know how you're feeling and what is going on in your life. Not to gain sympathy or to expect them to aid you day-to-day back to your happy self, but just to listen, to shoot you a smile, to understand when you don't feel like joining the crew for a night out. As much as you think you're helpless and your friends and family can't help you at all, you're mistaken. I promise you.
2. You really should develop a good sleeping pattern however, if your sleeping schedule is off balance but you really have an urge to stay up a few hours longer and dance to Beyonce FUCKING DO IT ! If you really should get out of bed but the thought of you even moving sounds fucking mortifying, snuggle up into that burrito of joy and bask in the warmth. ALWAYS put your mental health above all else. You will eventually find your way and get your life back on track and your sleeping schedule back on track. Focus on what makes you happy in the moment, whatever that may be. If you constantly think of the future, you'll be stuck there.
3. Cut out any toxic relationships / friendships you have. At this point in your life any negativity will just throw you even further down the well. It might hurt letting go at first but it's for the best. You can do it without them. Surround yourself with positive people. People who want to see you overcome the darkness. People who genuinely care about your mental health and take the time to understand where your thoughts lead you and do everything in their power to help you in any way they can.
4. Buy yourself a pet. This is my personal favourite and what truly helped me to get through time and time again. The reason it's my personal favourite is because the way I see it, when you give all of your love and care to an animal it really helps you get your mind off your problems. It becomes about making that little bugger's life the best you can possibly make it. I bought my puppy when I was 14 and was shipped off to Calgary to start a new life. Leaving my life in Toronto behind, my friends, family, memories - was heartbreaking. I took care of her myself everyday, took her for long walks, taught her tricks, played and cuddled her for hours and if it wasn't for her I don't know where I would be right now. Every time i'm sad or lonely I turn to her for comfort. More than a human because the beautiful thing about animals is that you don't need to say a single word. They understand your emotions in a way that is so mind-boggling to me. Give em' a chance.
Now here are just some releasing activities for my fellow hedonists ! This list could be used for my point in #2.
Exercise
Make a playlist of your favourite happy songs
Dance to those songs
Lip sing in the mirror
Get all prettied up and take yourself on a date
Make a blanket fort and watch your favourite movie in it
Take a bubble bath
Light a lovely scented candle / incense
Drink tea
Go adventure a forest, explore the earth
Try to teach your dog a new trick
Read your favourite book
Ask your friends what their favourite book , artist , and movie is and familiarize yourself with them
Call your mom ( unless you're on bad terms, then call a good friend )
Last but not least. Message me !! I do my best to respond to everyone in a positive, friendly and helpful manner. As you know, i'm always here if you need to vent or need a shoulder. So much love for you guys <3 Take care. MUAH ! xoxoxoxoxox <3333333333
