I have suffered from depression.
I know what you are going through.
Depression is a temporary illness, it is not permanent.
It is a state of mind, not a chemical "imbalance".
Although you may feel you are the only one, right now, there are millions of people in the world feeling as scared as you.
Firstly, let me just say, I have suffered from depression for the past 10 years; I am not an "outsider" looking in, a psychologist, doctor or psychiatrist...
No, I'm more than that, I'm someone who has won the battle against depression and I know exactly how it affects you and those around you.
Do you feel the following symptoms? You are in a bubble - separate from the rest of the world.
Everything is colourless, sound is muted and everything is scentless Do you look at others laughing and smiling and wonder/yearn to be the same Low confidence - you avoid any social situations - you become anxious if someone says "hello" to you No hope - you have an overwhelming feeling that you will always feel like this.
You are terrified you will never feel better Complete desperation - you would literally do anything to feel better again There are hundreds of symptoms of depression.
If you have a cold, you suffer from a runny nose, cough and high temperature.
You are told to rest, take paracetamol and drink plenty of water.
Let me to tell you some things to do if you are suffering from depression.
They will make you feel better.
I'm not implying you will be cured, but you will feel an improvement.
You only need a chink of light to realise you can feel better.
That realisation will initiate the start of a wonderful recovery.
1.
Rise as soon you awake - this is one of the hardest things to do but one of the most effective.
You do not have to jump from your bed but merely sit up and slowly get up.
Make a hot drink and put the radio on (music or chat is fantastic).
By lying in bed, analysing how terrible we feel and how difficult the day is going to be, you merely give your mind chance to become depressed.
Do not give this opportunity to your mind.
2.
Tell someone how you feel - you must tell your GP how you are feeling.
If you do not have someone to talk to you must call one of the many help lines available.
It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help.
It takes bravery to seek help.
You are being brave.
3.
Avoid alcohol at all costs - alcohol is a depressant.
You are merely "fuelling" your illness.
You may feel "cured" while you are intoxicated but you will feel even lower when you awake in the morning.
4.
Keep busy - do not be manic.
Complete tasks at your own pace.
Take pride from any minor task you complete.
Write them down, "completed washing-up" or "took dog for walk".
You are achieving something by completing these tasks.
These achievements will make you feel better.
5.
Drink water, eat healthily and exercise - the brain needs hydration, the body needs fuel and your muscles need work.
Although you are feeling weak, your muscles are more than capable of working.
You are not paralysed; you are merely telling yourself you can not do it.
6.
Research CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) - This is the true answer to curing depression.
It is a method of retraining the mind - it works, you have to trust me.
You control your mind, it does not control you.
Finally, have belief you will feel better once more.
You will recover.
Feel excited about how you will feel better soon.
Hold on to hope.
When you feel a glimmer of hope, hold on to it and cherish it.
You are not alone.
I know what you are going through.
Depression is a temporary illness, it is not permanent.
It is a state of mind, not a chemical "imbalance".
Although you may feel you are the only one, right now, there are millions of people in the world feeling as scared as you.
Firstly, let me just say, I have suffered from depression for the past 10 years; I am not an "outsider" looking in, a psychologist, doctor or psychiatrist...
No, I'm more than that, I'm someone who has won the battle against depression and I know exactly how it affects you and those around you.
Do you feel the following symptoms? You are in a bubble - separate from the rest of the world.
Everything is colourless, sound is muted and everything is scentless Do you look at others laughing and smiling and wonder/yearn to be the same Low confidence - you avoid any social situations - you become anxious if someone says "hello" to you No hope - you have an overwhelming feeling that you will always feel like this.
You are terrified you will never feel better Complete desperation - you would literally do anything to feel better again There are hundreds of symptoms of depression.
If you have a cold, you suffer from a runny nose, cough and high temperature.
You are told to rest, take paracetamol and drink plenty of water.
Let me to tell you some things to do if you are suffering from depression.
They will make you feel better.
I'm not implying you will be cured, but you will feel an improvement.
You only need a chink of light to realise you can feel better.
That realisation will initiate the start of a wonderful recovery.
1.
Rise as soon you awake - this is one of the hardest things to do but one of the most effective.
You do not have to jump from your bed but merely sit up and slowly get up.
Make a hot drink and put the radio on (music or chat is fantastic).
By lying in bed, analysing how terrible we feel and how difficult the day is going to be, you merely give your mind chance to become depressed.
Do not give this opportunity to your mind.
2.
Tell someone how you feel - you must tell your GP how you are feeling.
If you do not have someone to talk to you must call one of the many help lines available.
It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help.
It takes bravery to seek help.
You are being brave.
3.
Avoid alcohol at all costs - alcohol is a depressant.
You are merely "fuelling" your illness.
You may feel "cured" while you are intoxicated but you will feel even lower when you awake in the morning.
4.
Keep busy - do not be manic.
Complete tasks at your own pace.
Take pride from any minor task you complete.
Write them down, "completed washing-up" or "took dog for walk".
You are achieving something by completing these tasks.
These achievements will make you feel better.
5.
Drink water, eat healthily and exercise - the brain needs hydration, the body needs fuel and your muscles need work.
Although you are feeling weak, your muscles are more than capable of working.
You are not paralysed; you are merely telling yourself you can not do it.
6.
Research CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) - This is the true answer to curing depression.
It is a method of retraining the mind - it works, you have to trust me.
You control your mind, it does not control you.
Finally, have belief you will feel better once more.
You will recover.
Feel excited about how you will feel better soon.
Hold on to hope.
When you feel a glimmer of hope, hold on to it and cherish it.
You are not alone.