I’m depressed now, and it’s getting fucking old. I’m tired of dealing with depression because it’s a pain in the ass. I’m writing this in my pajamas and I don’t want to be. The most important thing to remember for me when I’m feeling down is that it will pass. My mom always told me that, and I believe her. Yeah, it sucks to not be able to eat. Sure, it’s annoying when I don’t want to get out of bed and do the shit that I want to do. I’m trying to listen to music that normally makes me feel happy, but I feel numb and things taste like sand. Okay, this is getting depressing. Fuck that. Let’s get to the helpful things.

Talking to friends even though I don’t want to

When I’m depressed I don’t want to talk to anyone. But I find that if I push myself to talk to my friends I actually feel a lot better. I have a great support network of understanding friends and they are empathetic about what’s going on.

Distraction

I find that distracting myself with other things helps me when I feel down. Whether that means writing, going out and doing something fun like taking my kids to the movies, the cat cafe, the playground or other places, these things are helpful in lifting my mood, even if it is temporary.

Reminding myself that it will pass

Depression isn’t “forever.” Sure, it’s painful, yes it’s challenging, but it is something that I will move through. Feeling happy is fleeting, and we enjoy it when we can. The dark feelings happen as do the light. I can ride the waves whether they are rough or smooth.

Feel my feelings

There are moments when depression can make me feel helpless. That feeling is icky and I want it to leave. In reality, there’s no way to fast forward it or tell it to fuck off. Though I desperately feel these feelings at times, logically I know that I cannot control my emotions, but I can feel them and allow them to flow through me. Life doesn’t give you a choice sometimes, and rather than feeling helpless, understand that there are things that you have power over.

Helping others

Depression makes me feel like I’m useless, and even though I know it’s lying to me, I don’t like it. The way I combat these feelings is to do something I love to do: help other people. I am an empathetic person who is highly intuitive. When I sense that someone needs help I honor that, and I want to help them in whatever way that I feel I can. Hopefully I can help them brainstorm a solution to their dilemma.

Gratitude lists

When I was little my mom asked me to make a list of 10 things I am grateful for. This was particularly helpful when I felt sad or depressed. It reminded me that there was so much to feel good about. When I think of it, I make these lists to help me remember the great things in my life.

Are you feeling down right now? Try these techniques to help you feel a little better. I hope they help you like they help me.