How almost everything in life things are not black or white. There is a continuum between feeling somewhat sad and having major depression. In the first case there are things we can learn to do to manage it. In the second, it is better to have professional help that may even require the support of the appropriate medication prescribed by a doctor/psychiatrist.
When sadness is manageable, when it is difficult for us to get out of bed, but we do it, when we have no idea of harming ourselves, when we find it difficult to enjoy things, we are tired and we prefer to isolate ourselves... There are things we can do.
Let us first remember that we are feelings, thoughts and actions. And that all of this is related. We must always act at all levels to feel better. For example, we can force ourselves to get out of bed when we feel sad or think that we are not good for much. Moving will have its influence on what we think and feel. In the same way remembering that we have often managed to get by will have its effect on getting out of bed and my sad thoughts. We must always force ourselves to do things, reexamine our thoughts and beliefs (perhaps with the help of a loved one), and seek out activities that have made us feel good in the past.
Some suggestions that we want to make to you from Healthy Work to feel better include:
- Move. It doesn't matter how. Good to walk and garden. Don't sit still in bed or on the couch
- Practice mindfulness and relaxation. The idea is to learn to let negative thoughts go by focusing on the present.
- Force yourself to relate. Don't stay alone, share with a family member or friend. Meet someone to eat or have a coffee. Better yet, to accompany you for a walk or play a sport.
- Make sure you sleep well, but not all day
- Make sure you eat healthy. Do not stop eating or spend the day eating. Take care of yourself.
- Learn to value ourselves and look for those moments in which we have been proud of ourselves. Confidence in our ability to get through things is crucial to feeling good. Let's not lose perspective by focusing on the negative. Life is yin yan and after darkness always comes light.
- No matter what happens, if you can't do it alone, seek help. Talk to those people who accept that we are all vulnerable. It is part of living.
