Overcoming Depression: Ways to Lighten the Load

Depression is never an easy burden to bear. In fact, it can seem as if the weight of the whole world is on your shoulders as you try to get through each day. That’s why the next time you start feeling the strain from depression you might want to consider these tips for overcoming depression.

Lighten the Load: Remember to Smile

We could start with any number of ideas, but remembering to smile seems appropriate for coping with depression. Why? Because depression robs you of your ability to feel joy and appreciate the little things each day. If you can maintain a sense of humor, even laugh at your depression, it can go a long way to overcoming depression. Plus there’s no equipment needed or technique to memorize. Just smile!

Lighten the Load: Find a Passion

This may also sound surprising, but find something you love to do and do it! One of the problems with depression is that it saps your motivation. However, if you can find even one thing you are passionate about and do it, it makes a big difference. For example:

  • Playing a musical instrument
  • Reading
  • Being athletic and playing a sport
  • Arts and crafts
  • Being outdoors
  • Games

Another advantage of finding a passion is that each moment you are engaged in the activity is a moment you are not focused on depression.

Lighten the Load: Talk to Someone

Consider someone you know who is close to you and is someone you trust. Ask them if you can talk about your depression with them. Talking to someone helps you understand that you are not alone and that there is someone out there who gets what you are struggling with.

Lighten the Load: Journal

Journaling allows you to get the thoughts swirling around in your mind out of your head and onto paper. You can keep an ongoing diary, which is helpful for noticing patterns in your thinking that would be useful to explore. Or, you can write your thoughts down on paper and then destroy the notes. That way you are not tempted to dwell on your writings and add to your depression.

Lighten the Load: Express Yourself

Along with journaling, try using different mediums to express yourself. By doing so you channel those thoughts bound up inside and release them in a burst of creativity. Remember, you don’t have to be a famous artist (or even a very good artist) to create art. All you really need is a pencil and a piece of paper.

Lighten the Load: Stay Connected to Others

As mentioned in #3, depression is an isolating condition where you feel that nobody understands what you are going through. Yet, one of the best ways of overcoming depression is to find a connection with other people. This could be through a club, place of worship, or class. Yes, there are online communities, but nothing beats good old fashioned one-on-one human interactions!

Lighten the Load: Do Something for Others

Service helps us understand that everyone has their own struggles but there is something you can do about it. Consider volunteering with a food pantry, youth group, or construction project. Knowing you made a difference can mean a lot for overcoming depression.

Lighten the Load: Stay Healthy

Make sure you are getting enough sleep at night (but not oversleeping!). Also:

  • Exercise
  • Make better food choices.
  • Keep your living area organized and clean.
  • Avoid screens in the evening.

Lighten the Load: Talk to a Therapist

therapist is a great resource for getting perspective, understanding why you have depression, and learning how to overcome it.

Depression is a great weight for many, but you don’t have to carry that load forever. Keep these tips in mind so that you can become free of the burden and live a fuller life.

Denise Kautzer is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Certified Public Accountant whose practice is located in St. Paul, MN. You can view her website at www.denisekautzer.com or contact her at denise@denisekautzer.com.

 

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