Are You Going Through Tough Times? Read This!

How are you?

I know you’re looking like you want to punch the life out of me for asking this ridiculous question. If looks could kill indeed…

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I am not oblivious of the fact that you’re going through difficult situations, if not physically but mentally. I see you.

There’s a labyrinth of worries taking all the space in your mind. You can’t seem to find yourself in the maze of idle nothingness; I know. Not just because I see you but because I’ve felt it too.

I don’t just want to tell you that it’ll be alright, I need you to know it. There are certain things you need to be aware of first…

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Take those specs of self pity off your face and take a look around you. People are going through crisis, some worse than yours and others less. If you think about it, you’ve been focused only on how you feel, how things aren’t going well for you, how your marriage is in shambles, how you don’t have a job, how life has treated you, etc.

I know this is just a tip of everything going on with you, but do you notice something? It’s all about you! You!! You!!!

But there’s someone out there almost giving up the ghost, there’s someone who is in a drastic situation with no hope of a turn around…

I’m not stating all these just to take your mind off the problems, YOU ACTUALLY NEED TO. You definitely have something to be grateful, look deep and around you and you’ll find it.

YOU ARE A VOICE FOR SOMEONE OUT THERE

Have you ever considered that there’s someone who needs to hear what you carry inside you? You are a beacon of light for someone just waiting. You have talents you need to utilize. Remember you feel good when you do something nice for someone else. Just think how you can help.

 How can you make life easy for the next person? Spreading love and showing care has a way of making you feel fulfilled, why not try it? I assure you, it works.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE DEPRESSED OR IT’S JUST A FEW BAD DAYS

• Self awareness

You need to be aware when those harmless concentrated thoughts take a sharp turn for the worse. Sometimes you’ve dwelt on them for too long you can’t tell when you suddenly feel like ending it all. Next thing, you’re thinking of the simplest means to use.

Learn to monitor how you feel, when your mood swings, when you feel like you’re an inconvenience to others and you want to isolate yourself, when you feel like you’re too much to deal with and you want to make it easy for them…

No one but you can catch yourself at that instant.

• Reach out to someone immediately

No matter how far your thoughts have taken you, let someone in on it. Studies have shown that the more you dwell on a particular thing, the more it takes root. Also,  the moment you share your thoughts, it becomes more difficult to form.

Don’t hesitate! Every moment counts! Pick up that phone and reach out.

• Eat food

This may sound funny, especially when you have lost your appetite. But it is important to eat first o, at least gain small strength abi?

You don’t have food? I’m sure there are people around you who would be too willing to help. It’s not a crime to accept help too. You need help so accept it.

There are also those who have not heard from family and friends for a long time, try and check on them. It won’t take too long to find out if they are okay. You should not let the continuous busy nature of life to rub you of your empathetic nature as humans.

Watch for behavioral patterns, mood swings, etc. If you aren’t staying close, create time to visit.

What about those around you who appear to be fine. They’re always the happiest, and sometimes their lives seem to be perfect. A lot of people wear masks, don’t let them deceive you. It’s not only those who have sad or grumpy faces that aren’t okay.

When you’ve finally ascertained that all is not well, don’t go asking questions as if you can fix everything within a minute. You need to be patient with them.

Here are examples of words you can empathetically use:

• How can I help you during this difficult time?

• I’m sorry that you’re hurting. I’m here for you.

• Tell me more about it.

• Would you like to take a walk with me?

• Can I keep you company today?

• Can I bring you dinner this week?

• Thank you for sharing this with me so that I can understand what you’re going through.

I hope you glean a lot from this and it makes a difference?

You can help us by letting us know how you overcame depression in the comment section.