As much as I’d like this to be about how to overcome depression, I don’t have the answer for that. I have been living with depression for several years. I used to say that I am battling with depression, but over time, I’ve stopped fighting.

I don’t mean that I’ve given up. I mean that I’ve stopped suppressing emotions and judging myself for experiencing depression. I have started using my energy to learn ways to cope and to live a fulfilled life.

I am currently at a place in life where I feel like I have a good understanding of myself, what works for me, and how to flow through the ups and downs of life, especially when the waves of depression come rolling in.

Here’s what works for me:

• Therapy
• Seeing a doctor
• Journaling
• Practice Meditating
• Learn on Your Support System
• Stick to a Daily Routine & Habits
• Cut Out or Reduce Alcohol Intake
• Exercise
• Have Fun

I hope some of this resonates and works for you, as well!

Therapy

I have been seeing a therapist for awhile now, and it has helped my mental health immensely. I am not used to talking about my feelings or sharing with others, which made talking to a therapist really difficult at first.

Honestly, therapy is not easy. It takes effort, and for me, it has been uncomfortable, overwhelming, and draining. It has also been rewarding, clarifying, and cleansing.

Talking to someone that is not connected to my life in any way has helped me process things that I normally would’ve kept suppressed or hidden. I have learned to get comfortable with myself and my feelings.

Seeing a Doctor

Seeing a psychiatrist was helpful for me. Being diagnosed and having someone to discuss what I was going through helped me better understand myself. I also started to learn how to pay attention to my body just as much as my thoughts and feelings.

I also suggest seeing a doctor for your overall health. It is interesting to find out the ways our mind and body are connected. I have learned to pay attention to what my body is trying to tell me and how to cope with anxiety and depression.

Journaling

I talk about journaling a lot in my blog because it truly is a great tool. Journaling helps me externalize and get out the thoughts and feelings I have. Writing things down helps me not think about it as much, and simply let go.

It is also a great way to keep track of what is going on in your life. I find that context actually helps me figure out what triggers me and also when I am simply going through a difficult time.

Practice Meditating

Meditation is another thing I’ve talked about in my blog, as well. Meditation can help relieve stress and improve your overall mental health. Like journaling, meditation helps me let go of a lot of thoughts and fears that I have. It also helps me be mindful of the present moment.

Before I would think that life would always be bad. With meditation, I realize that life ebbs and flows. A bad day truly does not make a bad life. And sometimes, what we deems as “bad days” are really just bad moments. It only ends up being a bad day because we carry those feelings throughout our day.

Meditation has helped me truly live moment to moment.

So when I’m going through depression or feeling anxious, I know that the moment will pass. That tomorrow is another day, and there will be a time where I will see light again.

Lean on Your Support System

I used to think that I had to do it all on my own and that asking help made me weak. Now I believe that leaning on others takes a lot of courage. I have learned to reach out for support when I need it.

Sometimes I just need to talk it out, and sometimes I need a hug. Other days, I am content with just being around someone else.

Asking for and accepting support has helped deepen my relationships, as well. I have noticed that the more vulnerable I am, the more others feel empowered to be vulnerable, as well. I have learned through being open with my support system that they also experience some of the same things, and that life can be complicated and tiring for everyone. I feel less alone when I open up to others.

Stick to a Daily Routine & Habits

Committing to a daily routine and habits has improved my mental health immensely. With depression, habits and self-care can fall by the wayside. I started to challenge myself to get into the habit of doing things so that whenever I did feel depressed, the habit would already be built in.

Now I find that on days that are difficult and when I am really going through it, I still somehow manage to stick to my daily routine. Whenever I get one task done, it just encourages me to keep going.

How was I able to implement a daily routine? By taking it one step at a time.

Everyday, choose yourself. Whether it’s through small actions (brushing your teeth, tidying up, etc.) or through big actions (going for a long walk, taking a spa day, etc.).

Cut Out or Reduce Alcohol Intake

I have chosen to completely cut out alcohol. Although I love a great margarita or a nice, cold beer, they were not worth my mental health. When I used to drink, I found myself feel extremely depressed and anxious for the days that followed. It did not matter if I drank one or many drinks — I always felt bad the next few days.

Looking back, life felt like a rollercoaster. I would drink on the weekends, feel depressed or sad on the weekdays, and then start the cycle all over again.

Now, life feels steady.

I chose to cut out alcohol completely since that is what worked best for me. I had to be honest with myself about what I could handle. I suggest doing what works best for you. For some, it’s not drinking alcohol at all and for others it’s limiting the amount of drinks they consume.

Exercise

Exercising can produce endorphins — making you feel happier, content, or positive. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall mental health.

Exercise has helped me cope with depression, and has helped me release a lot of built up emotions. Exercise has also made me learn and pay attention to my body and my health more. There’s also something extremely satisfying about completing a workout.

I suggest finding an activity or exercise that you enjoy doing. That way it doesn’t feel like a chore. Instead, you’ll be looking forward to breaking a sweat.

Have Fun

I know when I feel depressed or I am going through a depressive episode, fun is the last thing on my mind. However, I have learned that fun and joy is exactly what I need during those times.

For me, fun ranges from reading a great book to spending time with my support system. I understand that it is difficult to find these things fun or enjoyable when you are feeling depressed, but I suggest giving it a chance. You never know what can help turn things around for you.

I intentionally make time to enjoy myself and have fun. Prioritizing my joy helps me not take life so seriously all the time and to live in the moment. Have fun! Enjoy yourself! You deserve it.