19 Little Things To Remember When Battling A Depressive Episode

1. Antidepressants can only do so much. They’re great, don’t get me wrong but antidepressants alone won’t fix you. Find a good psychiatrist/psychologist/therapist that will help you come up with a plan to become the best version of yourself.

2. Remember, you’re not alone. I’m right there with ya! We depressed people need to lift each other up and stick it out.

3. Remain active. Whether it’s walking 5 kilometers to hatch a Pokemon egg or simply getting out of bed and doing some squats (gotta reach those booty goals) you’re still remaining active and that’s all that matters.

4. Surround yourself with supportive people. If you don’t have supportive people in your life, get new friends. Know that I support you and your path to wellness and while you’re at it, check out this site, which is anonymous, and VERY helpful online resource with trained listeners, therapists, and counselors.

5. Get out of bed. I know your bed might feel like a safe haven but it’s not. Remember #3? Get out of bed because those Pokemon eggs won’t hatch themselves and the world wants to see your beautiful face!

6. EAT. One summer, I lost 15 lbs because I simply lost all motivation to take care of myself. It was a dark time and I was out of energy, my blood work was a total clusterfuck, and I looked AWFUL. Depression will hollow you out mentally and physically-don’t let it! If you need to set small goals for yourself like focusing on what you want to eat, do it. If you need to have your groceries delivered because the thought of dodging a bunch of assholes at Meijer or Giant Eagle makes you want to vom, do it. Low blood sugar and rapid weight loss will make you feel like a piece of gum on the sidewalk.

7. SHOWER. Seriously, those around you will thank you. If you don’t like to shower, take a nice long bubble bath and invest in some bath bombs to enhance the experience.

8. Have a good cry. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Carry tissues and extra makeup with you so you don’t look like a raccoon after.

9. Ask for help. Please, please, PLEASE ask for help. Check out this resource for help if you don’t know where else to to turn.

10. Call your insurance company or bust out your laptop to see what they cover under mental health care. After you’ve done this, call around to see what offices are accepting new patients.

If you don’t have insurance, check out this website to find free mental health care near you.

11. Limit your time with people who drain you.

12. Ditch fake friends. BYE FELICIA.

13. Forgive yourself.

14. Don’t be embarrassed. Mental illness is WAY more common than you think.

15. Remind yourself that Churchill lead a country while battling depression.

16. Depression will lie to you and tell you what others are thinking. DO NOT SUCCUMB. You are loved, you are worthy and you belong on this planet.

17. Put that sad book/movie/news article down.

18. Technology detox. Why is Facebook so damn depressing lately??

19. Remind yourself that this is TEMPORARY. It can and WILL get better. You’ve got this. I believe in you, I support you, and I want you to know that you make the world a better place.