Some days I have depression — other days depression has me. This weekend, the depression had me. When you have depression, you do have to expect setbacks. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed in any way, nor does it mean that you are always going to be so depressed for the rest of your life. If you have major depression or think you do, you need to see a doctor. Please don’t use this article in the place of your doctor’s advice. After having this tug-of-war with depression for over thirty years, I feel I am (sadly) qualified to give out some free advice on managing depression storms when they hit.
Stay Active
Keep to some sort of physical routine as much as possible. This is one reason why my dog is so great for me. The need to take her for walks gets me out of the house and my own despair-filled mind. Even though you won’t want to move, moving your muscles is a great way to help manage depression storms. At least, you can pat yourself on the back for exercising when you didn’t feel like it!
Clean Something
You don’t have to clean your whole house, just one thing (a teacup, a tabletop, your hands — anything). Cleaning is very powerful therapy — as well as a chore you’re going to eventually have to do anyway. But immediately you can see the beneficial effects of your actions when you clean something. You can look at what you’ve cleaned and know you have accomplished something good, even when you were feeling lousy.
Keep Taking The Meds
Provided you are supposed to be taking medication, that is. I’m on generic Prozac. I know it doesn’t guarantee that I’ll feel all sunshine and light for the rest of my life. I will have really yucky times, like this past weekend. But Prozac helps keep me get regular sleep and to eat at regular times. For long term health, those two little things can be surprisingly effective.
If you have any questions about your medications (no matter what kind they are), don’t hesitate to call your doctor and pelt them with questions. It helps to write the questions down first and then call, because many people’s thoughts easily scatter when they are depressed. It’s good to hear another human voice on the phone as well.
Hope this helps.
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