Depression sucks. Period. Or, rather, that’s the understatement of the year.
Having the blues is one thing, but being clinically depressed is something else. Some days may be awesome, but when a depressive period hits, it feels like nothing – nothing – is right in the world, that there is no point to this life.
But it doesn’t have to be like that. That’s why people who have depression need help – whether from family and friends, professionals, or both.
One can only receive so much input from external sources, though. At the end of the day, especially when you are particularly feeling so low, you will have to deal with your depression from inside. One way to deal with a depressive period is to think about things that will get you through.
Quotes to Beat Depression
Here are 5 “beat depression thoughts” that will help. Mind you, these aren’t meant to replace your meds (if you are on them) and your therapist (if you have one). They do effectively help you get through each day, hour, and minute…
Think…
This period will end
While there are varying degrees of depression, if you are undergoing some sort of therapy, the depressive period will end. Even those with clinical depression who have been in a rut for months or years know that there are moments of hope, maybe even joy. Think of that. Hold that thought, and keep hanging on to it.
The people you love and who love you the most
When you feel that happiness will forever be out of your grasp, when you feel that there is no point to your life, think about the people who you love. Much more, think of those who love you.
You may think that no one appreciates or loves you, but the chances are you are wrong. Deep inside, you know that they (whoever they may be) care for you.
Dig deep. You might be surprised at what you discover, and, at the very least, you have something positive to focus on other than how bad things are.
You’re not alone
Your family and friends are there for you – even if you may not realize or acknowledge it. But more than that, think of this: there are other people experience the same thing you are.
In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health reports:
In 2013, an estimated 15.7 million adults aged 18 or older in the U.S. had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. This represented 6.7 percent of all U.S. adults.
You are not alone. Others are going through similar situations and are fighting. Fight with them.
The bad times you’ve gone through – and conquered
How often have you had major depressive episodes? The fact that you’re reading this means you’ve gone through those episodes in the past – maybe not unscathed, but alive. You’ve learned some things. Maybe you’ve come out stronger.
One thing is for sure: you’ve gotten out of the rut many times. You can do it again.
It may not be now. It may not be today. Maybe not even tomorrow. But you will.
The heart of life is good
This may very well be the most difficult idea to hold on to in the midst of a depressive episode. How can life be good when you can’t even summon enough strength to get out of bed?
It’s one of those things that you have to try to believe, at the very least. Thinking of the good moments in your life will help. It will be a gargantuan task, I know, but try. It’s better than nothing. You’ll want to give up. You may not even want to start.
But think of rainbows. Butterflies. The beach. Christmas with your kids (or nephews/nieces). Picnics.
Heck, think of unicorns! Whatever makes/has made you happy!
I’m not being crazy here, but my point is that are things in nature and life that will show you that at its very core, life is good.
Depression is an awful, complicated thing, and there’s no guarantee the above “beat depression thoughts” will get you out of an episode as soon as you want. But the key is to keep trying – even if you stay in bed all day, try to fight the episode in your head.
Good luck!
Originally posted on September 22, 2015 @ 8:00 am
