10 Signs It's Time to Get Help for Depression
Hopelessness
An inability to concentrate
Unexplained aches and pains
Apathy concerning things you used to like to do
Alcohol or drug abuse
Changes in sleep habits
Changes in appetite and eating
Irritability, agitation, and moodiness
Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
Thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm
One way to get out of your own head and change your perspective is to visit a museum – in person or virtually. Keep your mind active and explore your world.
With video presentations, gallery tours, interviews with artists and history makers, there is something for everyone, including children.
20 World Online Museums You Can Visit for Free.
The 75 Best Virtual Museum Tours Around the World [Art, History, Science, and Technology]
Depression and poverty are fast friends. Depression can actually mean poverty, as in “the Great Depression”.
“Being in debt, broke, and unemployed can lead to depression, but the converse is also true: depression can precipitate financial meltdown...
“Holding down a job while you are in the throes of the symptoms of major depression can be very difficult for some people – although there are people who find functioning at work far easier than functioning at home. Job loss or unemployment is not uncommon in those with depression.”
This article presents realistic advice about “Depression and Money Issues”.
If you wonder if you need help, talk to your family doctor or another trusted professional.
Get a recommendation. Make the call.
“Even on the days when I feel mentally well enough to exercise, there’s no guarantee that working out is going to boost my mood. Of course, there is research that shows a correlation between exercising and reduced depressive symptoms for some people with depression – but that doesn't mean it's a clinically proven cure. Aside from that, being told that it will make me happier by people who don’t understand the constraints of a mental health issue is as ill-informed as it is annoying.
“I go through days when working out simply isn’t in reach. I’m too fatigued and feeling too hopeless to do so much as open a curtain. Feelings of lethargy are common in people with mood disorders, and exercising when you’re feeling that low-energy can be as close to impossible as it gets. Asking us to transcend the symptoms of our illness and do something that isn’t currently within our reach is a patronizing strategy.”
– Beth McColl
(Read article HERE.)
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.”
You've seen and heard it a million times, usually in reference to Alcoholics Anonymous.
Whatever your religion or philosophy, think about whether you can adopt this as a liberating motto.
Don't beat yourself up over “failings” that are part of your innate character. They aren't failings. They're you in all your glory! Love yourself the way you are. Learn life hacks to circumvent issues that your quirks and personality traits may cause. And move on, accepting the things you can't change.
And when it comes to the world around you, there is a LOT you can not change. But there are some things you may be able to. Rather than beat yourself up or beat your head against the wall, take some time to really consider what you have power over. You may find it's a lot -- whether in your immediate domain or in the world at large. Take some time in quiet contemplation to discern what you CAN change, what you CAN do. And do it.
Decisive action is a powerful depression treatment. Courage!
Do something fun! Something you don't usually do. Shake it up!
Take a walk in the woods.
Go to a shelter or pet store and visit the animals.
Sing karaoke.
Play.
Or work if that's fun – work on a project you put aside, such as a business plan or a quilt or woodworking project.
Go to a ball game with a friend.
It doesn't much matter what you do. Just break your usual patterns that are contributing to your depression.