FeelingGoodWithSofy

Unfortunately, depression is not something you simply choose to have. It’s a complicated disease that you can develop over the course of life; in fact, you can be depressed from external, negative life events which you can’t control, past traumas, or you may even inherit it from a family member. Since depression can become really challenging to deal with, know how important it is not to go through it alone, no matter how difficult it might be to acknowledge it.

Finding What Helps

As someone who is battling with this illness day and night, I’ve gradually become equipped with tools to help me manage my depressive symptoms. Not every tool helps in every situation; sometimes I find some release when I watch my favourite series, and other times it’s something else. I think it’s truly important to find things which make your heart and soul feel a bit lighter when the reality is dark or grey, filled with uncertainty and ordeals along the way.

Tools to Navigate the Darkness

First of all, there is no right or wrong; some tools might be really practical for you but not for me, or vice versa. Plus, we all work differently, and that’s perfectly fine. Some find release when they paint or draw, others when they find themselves outdoors, and others when they do some movement. However, we have to take into account how you are faring. It’s not always easy to accomplish things, even if it’s your favourite hobby we’re talking about, and especially when you feel pretty low. I know this firsthand, and it’s really challenging to get things done when all you manage to do is cry and think about the mess that has been thrown at you.

A Small but Important Reminder…

There may be days when nothing seems to help, no matter how hard you try. In that case, please don’t blame yourself; it’s the illness that is behind your sickness. But do keep in mind that there are also brighter days when things can feel a bit lighter, even when you’re in pain. ❤️

What’s in the Toolkit?

As I’ve already mentioned at the beginning of the article, we are all different. What works best for you might not work for me, and vice versa; however, there is a great possibility you’ll find something in my list, even if it’s only one tool! 🙂 ❤️ Aside from therapy and medication…

• Natural Light-Therapy: One of the first tools my therapist advised me to use when I fell into depression in 2023 was going outdoors—whether going for a walk or spending time in my garden while catching light from the sun. It was the first time I had ever heard about light-therapy, which is, by the way, also used indoors with artificial light in hospitals. I try to get light therapy when I’m on a walk in the city or in nature, but if my mood is low, ten minutes will do. I can’t expect too much of myself if I’m not in a good state of being. Be kind to yourself, and do what’s best for you. ❤️ When you expose yourself regularly to the sun, hormones like serotonin and melatonin can be boosted.

• Small but Meaningful Rituals: Another tool I find helpful is creating daily rituals; they do not have to be ‘big’ to be useful. I have different kinds of rituals that keep me calm and balanced. Of course, they help up to a certain point, but they give me comfort—like a sort of cuddle. I am a big tea and matcha lover; the kettle is always boiling. 🙂 The whole ritual of preparing the drink and sipping it slowly is crucial for me. 🙂 Reading a feel-good book and watching my favourite series are also part of my toolkit. It’s good to have at least three or four rituals so you have choices, too! 🙂 You can discover more along the way. ❤️

• Enough Sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial for me; even though the day might turn out to be more challenging and difficult than expected, at least I’ve had a good night’s sleep. I know how hard it is to stay awake or focused when you’ve had little to no rest during the night—the whole day can feel so much harder. If this is something you’re currently facing, please talk to your doctor.

• Switching Coffee to Tea: I know this one might be hard, especially if you’re a coffee lover. However, it can be worth it for your mental wellbeing, plus you don’t have to cut out coffee completly. It’s good to know that drinking too much coffee is not that helpful; it can make you dependent on the drink, make you feel dizzy and anxious, and cause your blood sugar to spike, too. On top of that, you can have a hard time falling asleep. Take a decaff whenever you can and give tea a chance! 🙂 Matcha can be a nice replacement if you like the taste of it! It’s truly worth a try—as you have just read, I’m currently in my matcha and tea era. 🙂 ❤️

Last Words…

It’s time to wrap up this blog post, I thought these tools would be enough for now! Depression can put you in a really difficult place, and finding the strength to fight back day after day is truly challenging. I admire you for keeping going, even if it’s the last thing you’d like to do. Focus on your self-help tools, and if any of mine are helpful to you, I’m so glad. ❤️

Much Love and Light ❤️✨

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