Let me tell you, I know all about a bloody rough day, usually I turn my phone off, lock myself away

Let me tell you, I know all about a bloody rough day, usually I turn my phone off, lock myself away from the world and just generally don’t want to do anything. Do I still have this days, absolutely. People piss me off, I don’t feel all that great and I generally just hate everything. But years of going through this I am still in the very grueling process of learning to deal with it.

Here are some tips that I find help me and that may be of use to you when its one of those days!

• First things first, get moving. If you are like me when having an episode, I confine myself to my room and never want to leave, not wanting to get up, or ever call in sick for work (totally done this multiple times). Why is this a terrible idea? Well you are left sitting there with your own thought, over analyzing, making scenarios up that may never happen etc You need to get some other form of stimulation. Even if its as small as just getting up and cleaning, or taking a shower & getting dressed, working out, or going for a walk. Just leave get up and get moving. If you find yourself not changing mindset, do something else. Just keep busy.
  

• I have a hard time trusting anyone, but you have to find a sanity buddy, whether that be a family member, friend, co-worker, doctor, partner, or Susan down the street, someone that you can turn to in a time of a depressive state. There are many reasons for this. Firstly it give you someone to talk to and be completely open with, without feeling like you are being judged. If you have at least one person to turn to when you need and want to, that’s good enough. Let them know that you’re not yourself. Educate them a little on the goings-on of depression and they’ll better understand when you either need space or checking up on, a shoulder to cry on or someone to rip you out of your shell for a short time. It’s also holds you accountable, it holds you accountable from doing anything destructive, and can help change your mindset.  Honestly that one person can flip your mood around, give you tips from a different perspective, or even just come chill with you.

• Do something you love. whether that be as small as drinking your favourite latte, walking to your favourite park, pampering yourself, buying yourself a new outfit. Whatever if may be just do it. 
  

• Keep a journal. Freely write, doesnt have to make any sense, youre the only one who is going to see it. It gets your thoughts and emotions out in the open, and writing can be very theraputic! It’s also great to keep track of patterns. Is there a certain person or situation that brings forth the episode. Did you sleep enough? what did you eat that day etc All these have an effect. Also if youre not a big writing, maybe try drawing or painting. Being creative has theraptuic effects as it keeps the mind stimulated and can help you express emotions.

• Breathe. Do you know how mad I use to get when people would say this? Almost as annoying as someone saying “Just stay positive” But over the years I have learnt this helps tremendously. Breathe in deep, right from the diaphragm and exhale, even let out a loud sign. This helps regulate your heartbeat bringing it down to a nice steady pace. Stretch as well if you need to. Just take the time to clear your head and deal with the present moment. 

• Hold yourself accountable. Be true to yourself, and know when you aren’t doing anything to help yourself get out of the mindset. Be patient but persistent!