When strikes, performing even the simplest everyday tasks can seem like a herculean effort. Depression has a major impact on the neurotransmitters in the brain, making daily life both challenging and intimidating. Getting through this difficult period can be a monumental chore, but with a few tools at your fingertips, you can survive the roadblocks of depression with your sanity---and your life---firmly intact.
Instructions
Steps to Staying Alive During Severe Depression
1. Reach out to others. This can seem daunting, especially when you don't even have the energy to get out of bed. But keep the phone or computer handy and reach out as much as you can to those you love and trust.
2. Connect with your doctor or therapist. If you have a health-care professional who monitors your well-being, keep him informed of how you are doing. He can provide both an attentive ear and expert advice on making it through this rough period.
3. Do one thing every day that you find enjoyable. Self-care is vital to managing your depression, and only you know the things in life that bring you the greatest comforts and pleasures. It doesn't have to be complicated. Taking a hot bath, watching a favorite television show, or spending time with a beloved pet are simple tasks that can provide great relief.
4. Get some sun. Withdrawing to a dark room can only hinder your progress. Try to sit in the sunlight for a few minutes every day. Vitamin D has a direct impact on brain functioning, and sunlight is the prime source of vitamin D for human beings.
5. Take a walk. Doing this may require all of your physical strength, but a brief, 10-minute walk can elevate your mood for two hours. If a walk around the block is impossible, simply walk around your house or apartment. Getting the body moving and the blood pumping are key.
6. Keep an eye on your "self-talk" patterns. We all talk to ourselves and send our brains nonverbal (and sometimes verbal) messages. Monitor your self-talk for negative messages and replace them with positive ones. Even if you don't believe what you're saying, sending a healthy intention can work wonders.
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