If I can do it, so can you. It was not really alarming at first, since the change was tenuous. But I did notice that my surroundings took a different tone; shadows of nightfall seemed drabber, my mornings had fewer sparks and there was a moment when a kind of panic and anxiety overtook me. Everything seemed hopeless. I was anxious and worried a lot for no reason, forgetful and difficult to concentrate on anything. I had trouble making a simple decision and was crying a lot for no apparent reason. It felt as though I am drowning or suffocating.
Ever wonder what depression feels like? Take a pillowcase full of rocks and strap it to the top of your head. Now put on a dark pair of sunglasses, leave those things on for about a week. Until you begin to see the world through a dark film that never gets lighter and it takes a very conscious effort to hold your head up. That is what a depression feels like on a good day.
If anyone had told me several years ago that everything would get better, I would have nodded while screaming disbelief inside my head. I thought things simply could not get better, that I’d be forever feeling imprisoned in a dark room. I have learned that anxiety and depression go hand-in hand and there is no shame in having either, although it’s tough for many people to get their arms around the concept.
Here is how I tackled my depression and learn to enjoy the world all over again.
Setting Goals: I always created a new aim or goal that I wanted to reach. Having a target gave me motive and focus on it as well.
Proper Diet & Exercise: We all know a healthy lifestyle starts in kitchen. Eat healthy and insert exercise in your life. This boosts your morale and keeps your sharp.
Getting Enough Sleep: Most people forget to get enough sleep on a day. As an adult, we need 8 to 9 hours of sleep. Our brain needs rest just like everything else. A good sleep makes you more productive and active. Most people forget to get enough sleep on a day. As an adult, we need 8 to 9 hours of sleep. Our brain needs rest just like everything else. A good sleep makes you more productive and active.
Travel: I know when it comes to travelling; the real world seems to be tough. Travel is expensive and most people are afraid of the economic impact. But, travel doesn’t necessarily have to be cross-country. Sometime, you can go to nearby place that you never been, a new hill that you never climbed, a new village that you have never been. Anything new provides a new perspective in life.
Enjoy your life: Learn to be happy and enjoy the little things of life. “Happiness does not depend on what you have or who you are, it depends on what you think” –Buddha.
Overall, these simple five things were a major milestone on my recovery. In the battle of depression some recover soon while some linger long. But, if I can do it, so can you.
I believe in you, I believe in recovery.