As someone who has struggled with poor mental health, I know firsthand the difficulties and challenges that come with it. I have found that self-care, therapy, and lifestyle changes have been helpful in managing my symptoms.
In this week’s blog post, I want to share with you three things that I remind myself of when I am fighting an onset of depression. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or stress, I hope my experiences can provide valuable insights. I also hope that my openness in sharing can help you on your own journey toward better mental health.
You Are Not Alone
You may feel like you’re on your own when it comes to dealing with mental illness, but it’s important not to isolate yourself. I lived with depression in secret for far too long — almost too long. So if you are struggling, please know that you are not alone. There are many people who have battled depression.
If you want help, you can find support online through organizations such as the Samaritans and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. You can talk to friends and family members, but they may not be able to understand exactly what you’re going through. Additionally, talking to a professional who specializes in mental health care, such as a therapist or psychiatrist, would be best.
Another option would be to reach out to your local church. Even if you are not a member, I am sure they would be willing to help. The key is that you should talk to someone you trust.
Surround Yourself with Positive and Encouraging People
Surrounding yourself with positive and encouraging people can have a significant impact on your mental health. Positive social support can provide a sense of belonging, reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, and increase feelings of self-worth and self-esteem. When you surround yourself with people who are uplifting, supportive, and encouraging, you are more likely to have a positive outlook on life and feel more motivated to take care of yourself.
Spending time with encouraging people can also help to reduce stress and anxiety. Positive social interactions can release feel-good chemicals in the brain which can help to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, having a support system of people who understand and can relate to what you are going through can also provide a sense of validation and emotional comfort.
These individuals can be an important source of encouragement and motivation to help you through difficult times.
Be Proud of Your Personal Accomplishments
One of the best ways to combat poor mental health and find your inner strength is by being proud of your accomplishments. It’s important to celebrate your personal accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Even small accomplishments can serve as a reminder that you are capable of achieving your goals and making progress. When dealing with mental health issues, it can be easy to focus on the negative and lose sight of the positive. That’s why it’s crucial to take a step back and reflect on your accomplishments, big or small.
However, it’s also imperative to be patient with yourself and your progress. Mental health issues such as depression can be complex and difficult to overcome. Remember, the pathway to better mental health is a journey. Healing takes time, and progress may not always be linear. It is also not uncommon to experience setbacks and relapses, and that’s okay.
Closing
When it comes to dealing with depression and poor mental health, it’s understandable to have ups and downs and to experience difficult emotions. It’s not possible to simply “snap out of” it. Depression is an illness that requires time and patience to heal.
Society puts a lot of pressure on always being happy, but it’s okay to have bad days. Allow yourself to feel the emotions, don’t ever suppress them. It is also pertinent to remember that appearances can be deceiving. Never compare yourself to others who may seem to have it all together. Even though from the outside it might look like someone has everything under control, remember that everyone has their own struggles and battles to fight. Comparing yourself to others, and focusing only on your shortcomings, can make it difficult to see your progress.
I hope this week’s blog has helped you in some way. If it has had an effect, either positive or negative, please comment below. I would love to hear from you.
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If you made it this far, please consider commenting below, subscribing, and also sharing on your social media sites. Most importantly, I ask for your prayers. I write this weekly blog as an outlet in my fight against depression. However, my hope is that something I write here may help others who may be struggling. If you would like to help with my battle against depression, check out my online Etsy store. Most proceeds are donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
If you or someone you know may be contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or by dialing 988. You may also text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. In emergencies, call 911, or seek care from a local hospital or mental health provider.
Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Used by Permission HCSB ©1999,2000,2002,2003,2009 Holman Bible Publishers. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.