FeelingGoodWithSofy

Trigger warning: if you are currently struggling with your mental health, parts of this article may be difficult to read. However, it also contains motivational insights to help you along your journey. The decision to keep reading is entirely yours.

Managing depression is a difficult, uphill battle, especially when it is severe. Even if you have many tools you can rely on, sometimes it seems to take a while before you experience any emotional relief. Personally, I can get so frustrated and tearful—and if you feel the same, you’re not alone. ❤️

When sadness hits, fighting back feels exhausting. It isn’t for a lack of trying—I certainly do—but eventually, exhaustion sets in. It’s painful to feel the sadness lingering inside, and it leaves you wanting to cry or give up just to avoid all those negative emotions. I struggle deeply with my depression, and if you’re going through the same thing, I truly understand. ❤️

Small Steps to Motivate You

Depression is a challenging illness to deal with. It drains your energy and can easily overwhelm you with negative thoughts. That’s why I think it’s incredibly important to focus on small steps, instead of taking a giant leap all at once and feeling on edge afterward.

I’m constantly reminded to take small steps, especially when I find myself in pain. When I am that overwhelmed, I can’t think clearly, so my mind triggers fears or brings up things that are still too difficult to handle. Instead, taking a step back and focusing on something smaller can be a better option. Achieving small goals, especially while depressed, can boost your self esteem—even if it is a tiny step we’re talking about. in fact, each small step matters, and it can slowly motivate you to take more little steps forward.

Learning to Stay Present

Many times when I fall apart, it’s because I’m thinking too far ahead, and that unfortunately breaks me down. It’s complicated to pretend that the future doesn’t exist—because it does—and in this state, it can be incredibly difficult to look forward. Over the years, mindfulness has become one of my favourite tools for managing these low moments.

It can take a while to master this practice. Consistency is key to cultivating a more soothing present moment. With that said, I’m not saying that mindfulness resolves all your problems. I, too, can get incredibly sad while trying to be present. It’s an ongoing process that requires patience and understanding. With time, mindfulness allows you to master the ability to listen closely to your feelings and worries, helping you put words to your inner malaise while focusing on the rhythm of your breath. It encourages you to be more intentional with the steps you take and with the people who care for you deeply.

Cultivating Patience

Patience is perhaps one of the hardest things to practice when you are in pain. You might wonder when you’ll feel better, or when things will finally start to look brighter. As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, I, too, can, become incredibly upset and low when the sadness hits me over and over. Depression is truly complicated. What I’m learning is to stay in the moment, be patient with myself, and accept what I’m going through—it’s a difficult journey, and all you can do is your best.

You Are Strong

No matter how many times you fall apart from your depression, please keep in mind that you are the strongest person you know. Your resilience to keep going, knowing you have a long road in front of you, is to be admired. Confronting an illness daily while dealing with uncertainty and waiting to feel better is not easy at all, but you will slowly overcome these difficulties, even if it takes years. For now, focus on one small step at a time, and remember that it’s okay if you have days when nothing seems to work out. You are loved. ❤️

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