One helpful strategy for anyone suffering with depression

If I ask people what depression is, the most common response I get is “depression is feeling sad.” The reality is, it’s so much more complex than that. Depression is (and is not limited to) low self-esteem, loss of concentration, appetite changes, loss of energy, sleep changes, self-isolation, loss of interest in daily activities, disruptive behaviour, anger/ irritability/ frustration/ lack of patience, and/or unexplained aches and pains.

Depression is hard to harness because it can have such an intense psychological hold. However, taking things slowly will help alleviate the feelings and with consistent, small steps and loads of compassion, depression can lift.

If you suffer from depression, this exercise is a really helpful starting point.Take notice of your thoughts. When you catch yourself having thought patterns like “I feel so bad, I shouldn’t feel like this, what’s wrong with me? I’m useless”

Try:

“I’m noticing I feel low and heavy. This is OK. Depression wants me to believe I am worthless, but I know that I’m not”

Action:

Do something small and simple which you can identify as an achievement. For example, a five minute walk, shower, light cleaning, brushing your hair/teeth or getting dressed.

Result:

Increased self-compassion and non-judgemental action and behaviour.

If you need support working on your own personal development journey I have a series of on-demand programmes that focus on the following areas:

If you need support working on your own personal development journey I have a series of on-demand programmes that focus on the following areas:

You will receive 4 weeks worth of workbooks that guide you through these areas with purpose and intention so you can overcome your blocks and barriers.

Click the link below to access the on-demand programmes to get started on your own personal development journey!

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