Fighting and overcoming depression

If I were to describe depression as a person, depression would be an experienced burglar who disguised himself as that one friend you knew you could always count on or that seemingly perfect partner who makes sure you are always reminded that he is there for you.

But with depression, there will always be a twist to it. Depression will be a friend who shows up on every occasion and he doesn't care whether he was invited or not but he will always be there to highlight what is going wrong even though you are sure that everything was going seemingly well, he will offer you a ride home and with his sweet words he will convince you that a blanket and a pillow is what you need.

Depression robs you of your friends, family, happiness, ambition, of what you could become.

I know the struggle, I had a constant fight with depression and anxiety for over three years and yet every struggle is never of the same kind. I know that it's a hard road and it feels like there is no end to the dark tunnel that you're going through but you're not in this fight alone, I am with you along with many others who struggle with this experienced burglar and that's why I want to fight this with you because depression isn't something that cannot be defeated.

TIPS ON FIGHTING AND OVERCOMING DEPRESSION

• OWN UP TO THE FEELING

The first step in overcoming any obstacle or finding a cure to any disease is knowing that there is a problem. How can anything be fixed or made better if the cause of the problem isn't known? 

It is important to admit that you are ill and that you need to get better.

• SEEKING HELP

It's a tough road so don't make this yours alone. Talking it out is a great way of letting it out. 

Set some time to talk this out to someone you truly trust, I know it won't be easy but remember that there are people who truly care about you.

In case you find it too difficult to talk this out in person, there are tons of help-lines out there who are more than happy to help you or

set up an appointment and seek a therapist, even though it seems scary at first remember that they are professionals who are trained to help you.

• BE ACTIVE

I know that this is thousand times much easier said than done especially when all you want to do is curl up under your blankets and escape from the world. But think about it you have done this God knows how many times and it has never made you 'really' better. 

So why not get out and feel the breeze or let the sun kiss your hair and if those things seem too hard at the moment maybe taking a shower and watching a movie (try to avoid those that could trigger it) would do because remember that this will take time, so take it one day at a time and don't over exhaust yourself.

• HELP OTHERS

Maybe the last thing that you wish to do at this moment is to help others when you yourself are going through so much, but let me tell you this there is something so rewarding and fulfiling when you help those who are in need.

Try volunteering and see those who have so little, there will always be something you can learn.

• DON'T ISOLATE YOURSELF

Depression makes you feel like you are the problem and that you are just bothering everyone with your problems and as hard as it might be to believe at this moment you should know that you are never the problem, you are ill and you need help.

Never be embarrassed or be afraid to ask for help or to talk about it.

• TRY DOING THE THINGS YOU ONCE LOVED

Don't allow depression to take up a part of you that you once loved so dearly, don't give up on the things that once gave you joy and happiness. Even if it seems like a chore now know that they once were a part of you and re-ignite the light that had been dimed because of depression.

It is at those hardest moments that you need to push through.

• PATIENCE

Don't be discouraged when it seems like you are always going back to where you began or maybe even worse than when it started. You have made it this far, you have fought it this far. Please do not give up on the wonderful person you are. Hating yourself or self-loathing will not take you far, always be reminded that you have been through worst and you're still here maybe bruised and hurting but still here.

Most importantly have patience, it takes time till then love that beautiful and strong person that is hidden in you and is waiting for the right time to come out.