I was wondering if anybody has any advice on depression. I have had waves of depression since I was eight/nine, maybe earlier. I have trouble connecting with people and keeping friendships. I am trying to go to school but my motivation is really low. Are there any self-care things that you guys do that are helpful in dealing with the low motivation, pain from loss of friendships, pain from deaths, and just generally feeling hopeless like there's no long-term relief from the pain?
I'm fully convinced everyone feels this way at one point or another. Even the happiest people I know have experienced waves of depression in their lives and people that seem "happy" are on anti-depressants and still suffer from depression.
These are things that have worked for me :
1. Get close to God by being thankful. It's very difficult to do this and you don't have to be dishonest. Tell God thanks for everything from your family, opportunity for school, to playing that song you needed at that moment, etc. Really feel it bc none of the good things would exist if not for him. Then let him know your concerns.
2. Recognize life is made of seasons. Though you may be in Winter, Spring comes eventually. There will be better times and time heals all wounds.
3. Accept your sad and give yourself permission to be sad. If there's actually a reason for it, it's okay to be sad. Fighting it makes it stronger.
4. Distract yourself. Watch movies, take up a hobby, listen to music, bake, whatever. Do things you enjoy that are distractions. Healthy distractions I might add. The strongest people I know who seem unaffected by tragedies do this tactic. You just keep moving.
5. Go outside and hang out with people. Put Facebook away, Christian chat....just go out and breathe in nature. Go out to eat and be with others. Helping others helps too.
I might add something. When you are getting close to God read the Bible, pray a lot at night. Even better, off and on all day. They have the Bible app you listen to. This is the best way to have "spiritual" dreams. It will give you a very real escape. Listen to Christian music and notice how it's playing in your head when you wake up. You will notice God speaking to you more and it will also help you be thankful which makes you happy.