How I Handle My Depression Episode • A Little Hippie-ish

It’s no secret that I have depression. It was the main cause I started a little Hippieish life. I wanted to cultivate a life of peace and nurturing and for those who have also had feelings like this. Occasionally I have moments when I get depressed, I’m not motivated to do anything and it’s not good. I know I’m not the only one who has depression and gets in that nasty mood. I wanted to share what helps me when I am in a depression episode and hopefully, it helps you when you go through yours.

What my depression looks like

Everyone is different and their depression episode looks different but just a general overview of mine. So the first thing is I start reflecting on my past, whether it’s a long past relationship or a fight/argument that happened years ago. I think about it incessantly to the point where it’s the only thing on my mind for days. Once that happens I start feeling shame and or loneliness, sometimes it’s both. This can be based on what the memory was or it can be because it’s a Tuesday, whatever happens, happened and I’m now sad. I then get unmotivated to do anything and I hug my puppy a lot. Occasionally I cry for no reason but that’s when I’m really low mostly I self-isolate and watch Bob’s Burgers and or funny Youtubers. This can last anywhere from a few days to months, before I started living a more mindful lifestyle I had felt this way for years. Luckily I was able to break free of it. Here’s what I do.

How I get out of a depression episode.

Identify

Recognize your symptoms. What happens before you get sad? What does your brain do? Are you more pessimistic than usual or do you turn into a homebody? Maybe you start craving junk food, or you just let your mind wander. Possibly your anxiety comes up. Once you recognize that it’s coming up you can get ahead of it and possibly prevent it, or at least shorten it.

Keep Your Mind Positive

This is the hard part, you have to push through. I know it’s hard and all you want to do is drown in a bottle and cry, but you can’t. This solves nothing, you have to continue to find the bright side of the situation. If you’re lamenting over your life choices remember everything that you have now and that you wouldn’t have that if you didn’t make that one choice. Practice that gratitude it reminds you that you have what it takes to make it through and you are capable of amazing things.

Remind yourself of what you’re currently doing

As I said before I replay moments in the past that bring me great shame. When that happens I have to remind myself what I was doing. I know that sounds silly but if a negative thought comes up when I’m scrolling on my phone I tell myself “I’m here scrolling on my phone.” I know it might sound silly but it grounds me.¹ I do have to say it a few times and take a few breaths but I do and usually it will pass.

Stay Active

Even if you don’t go outside and socialize keep moving don’t go into bed and curl up. Unless you’re tired don’t lay down. Go for a walk go do something that you enjoy it doesn’t have to be big but have it be something. Don’t let it stop you, you are stronger.

Have A Real Quote That You Can See Everyday

Write out a quote that inspires you. It doesn’t have to make sense to others just to you and put it somewhere you see it every day. And when you feel low, read it out loud. When you say things out loud you’re speaking it to existence, like when you say phone and suddenly you can remember exactly where your phone is. It’s like that with positive thinking, began speaking and saying kind things to yourself every day and you will be kinder to yourself as well.

Listen to empowering music

Make a playlist of your “I’m Amazing” music. I prefer something where the singer is talking about overcoming hardships and pain. when the song plays I allow myself to cry out loud and as hard as I need to. Crying is not a sign of weakness, it’s as natural as breathing. Allow yourself to cry while also being empowered, even start singing if you feel like it! It’s ok to cry and yell and scream, whatever you need while listening to songs that empower you, feel the music, and know you’ll make it.

Understand It’s Ok To Feel Sad

Sometimes you’ll cry, sometimes you’ll push through but a lot of the time you’ll order your depression meal and eat while being sad. And that’s ok too, depression isn’t an easy fix and it can take a lifetime to learn how to live with it. But while you’re sitting there eating, drinking, or crying if you could do one thing, remember this pain you feel will pass. It’s not a forever feeling and it’ll hurt like hell for right now but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You got this, so please keep pushing. I speak from experience when I say it does get better if you make it so and you can make it so. I’m living proof.

I hope this helps you on your journey and if you’re having thoughts of hurting yourself or others please reach out for help. Call the suicide hotline or your local mental health provider. Thank you so much for reading.