This will be a similar post to one that I wrote almost three years ago now, which covered some of the points that I will be writing out now. However, looking back, a lot of it was based on an anxiety crisis. So this time, I wanted to focus more on a crisis of depression.

If I think about it, anxiety can be easier to pin point when it happens and why. However, I feel depression can come on more randomly and for less obvious reasons. Sometimes it can build up over time or you can just wake up feeling that way – regardless of how good the day before or afterwards was.

As I posted on Facebook a few weeks ago, I have been on anti-depressants for two years now which as I said has helped to give me a better mindset. However, like I also said, it is not the ultimate solution and non-medical solutions need to be thought about too. So here are a few things I try and remind myself of when this happens to me.

1. When you think you are depressed, don’t rush to think why

This may seem counter-intuitive. However, I think initially, you don’t want to go through every possible negative situation going on in your life till you find what it is that’s making you feel low at that time. Or you may not work it out at all. I have found it can delay the healing process and instead, I should focus on how I can bring joy back into my life.

2. Accept how you are actually feeling

With the above in mind, although you may seek to feel happy again, it doesn’t happen right away. Therefore, if you are feeling depressed, then you should own what you’re feeling and not feel like you have to hide it.

3. If you do come up obvious reasons, make a priority list

This might also seem a bit strange and perhaps not for everyone. As time passes and things become more settled and clearer possibly as to reasons why, write them down. Then it can be something to rank in order of urgency. I guess this could go either way, either it makes you realise that it was only a lot of small, non-earth shattering things that can be easily fixed. Or you realise that there are a lot of bigger triggers in your life that you need to address more deeply.

4. Don’t think you’re an odd-ball for feeling like this

One of the hardest things about depression is the isolating factor. This is feeling like no one will get you and you are dealing with this mystery illness all by yourself, which is not true! According to a recent survey, 280 million people worldwide have depression. And that probably only covers the people who have an official diagnosis and I imagine the real number is much higher than that.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you find it helpful. As always, feel free to get in touch with any questions/feedback/comments, I always love to hear them. Stay tuned for the next instalment.

Until next time

K