Majority of us get into sates of depression when faced with life's problems. We so often cannot point a finger at the exact problem because by the time we get into a state of depression we have multiple problems. Most victims of depression tend to have suicidal thoughts because the problem always seems too heavy to bear. There is still some hope. If you are battling with depression or know someone who is, I have a few suggestions that could be useful to help you feel like a person again and start finding pleasure in the things you used to enjoy before depression took over your life.
- Admitting that there is a problem. Admitting is the first step towards reality. Most of the time a person does not want to agree that something has happened or that they have done something wrong. A problem cannot be solved by running away from it. You must first admit to yourself that something is wrong. Do not push it to the back of your mind and move on with life pretending that whatever it is did not even happen in the first place. It will still haunt you and pull you down into a depressed state.
- Focusing on solutions rather than lamenting on why it had to happen or thinking of the problem itself. Spending time wishing you were someone else or wishing you could reverse time will only make you feel worse instead of helping you to deal with the issues at hand. To focus successfully on the solutions, you need to know the problem.
- First, write down the specific problem(s) you think could be bothering you
- Next, write down solutions for each individual problem. If you had a fight, for example, write down how you are going to approach the person you argued with and which words you are going to use so that you don't get into a bigger argument. It is important to write this down because you can be looking at them and reminding yourself what you should be doing towards solving your problem.
- Everyday when you wake up and just before you sleep, pull out the book or paper where you wrote down your problem and solution and read through them again. Then ask yourself “what have I done so far towards solving my problem?”
- Set goals. Realistic goals should be set with a time-frame. Ask yourself what period of time you need in order to be completely settled. Write down what you need to do on daily basis. Also write down what you plan to have achieved in a week, a month and in three months. Get three envelopes and put in these papers. Write a date when the envelopes will be opened like the date it will be after a week. Seal the envelopes and keep them then open them on the designated dates to see if you achieved your goals.
- Talk to someone. It is commonly said that a problem shared is a problem half solved. Identify a friend, relative or close family member whom you are free with and share with them how you feel. Tell them exactly what happened and what you are planning to do about it. Someone's support is necessary for you to achieve any goals you have set. Do not conceal any information because bottling it up will only makes you more depressed. Let the other person share your burden and it will feel lighter.
- Finally, turn on the green lights in your head. This simply means, think positively. Have a self talk every morning and evening. Tell yourself nice things like how beautiful or handsome you are how you are going to put a smile on everyone's face and just how you are going to enjoy life. Look for the positive aspects of your life and work towards enriching them instead of focusing your attention on the numerous problems you could be having. Also be around happy people daily because it will make you feel happier and doing things for others, like just holding a door for someone and being told thank you will go a long way towards helping you cope with depression.
