Does it feel like your Winter blues are just making way for Spring's ennui? A longterm funk can make it difficult to do the things you need to do in life. And it can get so overwhelming sometimes that it's easy to lose focus of the things that truly matter in life. If you feel like you're unraveling at the seams consider these steps to help you find your center again.
Get Help
If you've found you can't shake the blues it is imperative to work with professionals who can assist you. First off, if you feel remotely suicidal you should immediately call 911 or a suicidal hot line. If not morbidly depressed but still feel out of control, you should strongly consider seeking professional help. But the main thing to be aware of is the fact that “professional help” does not strictly mean getting into therapy. Sure, we've all got issues we can stand to deal with so this isn't to suggest forgoing therapy. However, it is a good idea to look at your depression from a number of angles, such as possible medical factors like hormone imbalances and things like alcohol and substance abuse, if that applies.
Sometimes just having someone to talk to who is not in your circle of friends can do wonders – and a therapist with a medically trained ear and objectivity can help you recognize patterns that may need to be acknowledged and possibly revised. Plus don't shut your friends out if you can prevent it. Keep good people in your life and be honest with them about your struggles so that they can act as sounding boards and a support system.
Move
One of the toughest things to do is to get active when you're feeling blek, but it's also one of the best things for you. Take a walk, ride a bike, do yoga, dance... anything that can get you a little sunshine and raise your heart rate some will only help you. And don't forget that sex can make you feel better, too. Though don't let your depression make you take unnecessary risks. Be safe!
Nurture Yourself
If you feel stress eating you up then find ways to help alleviate it. For one person that might mean taking a long bath, for another it might be going to see a Chick Flick with friends. Need a massage but worried about money? See if your town has a local school that needs people for their students to work on. Another thing that can have a relaxing effect is coloring. Sound silly? Tests show that the smell of crayons can help lower blood pressure.Throw a Frisbee, kick a ball, play.
Get Away
Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need to feel free and unfettered. If time is tight just plan a series of two-day trips to places you love or that are new to you but close by. And if you can swing a good long road trip head south and then drive! With just you, the open road and your favorite tunes you may be hard pressed to wonder whatever it was that had you down. But note that you might get the post-vacation blues so that's one of the things that makes the short trips so great – as soon as you return start planning your next adventure.
Help Others
Whether it's volunteering to teach adults to read or helping out at your local retirement home or soup kitchen, helping others is a great way to take your mind off of your troubles for a bit. It also helps to put things in perspective when working with someone who is struggling harder than even you are. Plus, an established commitment to be there for someone however many times a week or month insures that you get out and face the world, even when you least feel like it. And being proactive in such a way will most certainly help you find your balance again.
These are all simple, doable steps – and with each one taken, the others should become easier. They are in no way intended to override professional advice on how to treat depression but they are proven ways to help you get up and out and moving toward the light in your life. It's there, it's just clouded right now. Hope this helps and that you feel better soon.
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