Get It Together

It can be really difficult getting back into the swing of things after a depressive episode.

Just trying to feel better is exhausting in itself.

On top of that, you may not want to talk to anyone about what you’re dealing with. (And that’s okay.)

But please know that no matter how far down you are, there is a way up and out.

I’ve had my fair share of dark moments, which is why I feel like I can shed some light on this subject.

I am not a professional nor am I saying that you will have the same exact outcomes as I have.

I’m just sharing what has helped me take control of my life and I hope these tips can help you do the same.

HOW TO GET YOURSELF BACK ON TRACK

1. Acknowledge what you’re feeling.

When you avoid the problem instead of accepting it for what it is, you prolong your recovery time.

Don’t try to force yourself to be happy if you aren’t happy.

Sit with whatever it is and say, “this is bothering me” or “I’m not okay.”

Avoiding the problem is just gonna make the situation worse.

2. Remind yourself of who/whose you are.

When I’m down, the last thing I want to do is give myself a pep-talk.

But it’s the exact thing I need.

The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy. So, by knowing that, I’m going to assume your brain is filled with some lies.

Bring things back into reality. Set the facts straight.

You are worthy. You are capable. You belong.

You are God’s child and he wants the best life for you.

ACTIVITY

Get a sheet of paper and right down everything that’s bothering you. (these promote self pity)

Fill the page up. Get it all out.

Then, get another sheet and replace those thoughts, line for line. (these promote perseverance)

This allows you to validate your feelings, welcome peace, and a have a different perspective.

3. Tidy your space.

You don’t need your room causing you more anxiety and stress.

Chances are, if your mental space is a mess your physical one is too.

Turn on some music and give yourself however long you need.

Not only will you feel renewed, you will feel at ease since you’re giving your mind a chance to focus on something else.

Wash the depression out of your bedding, put things back where they belong, and light a candle to bring in some warmth.

4. Get organized.

Depending on how long your episode lasted, you may have a mile long to do list.

Revisit your calendar and see what still needs your attention, what can be delayed, and what can be scrapped all together.

I like to use the Eisenhower matrix to help me out with this.

Ultimately, everything that falls into the top left corner should be my focus. Anything else can wait.

5. Take it easy.

Check in with you as often as possible and ask yourself what you need.

One thing that’s helped me is knowing my triggers so that I can catch them ahead of time.

Sometimes though, it doesn’t work.

So take it one day at a time and just try to chill out as best as you can.

FEEL ALL THE FEELS, THEN FEEL BETTER

This is a saying I came up with when I was going through a really rough time.

It reminds me to not rush the process and sit with my feelings for as long as I need to.

I cry. I write. I do nothing. I binge Netflix. I scroll on social media for endless hours.

And one day, I get tired of that.

I slowly start taking my power back by doing the things I listed above.

Then going forward, I make sure to take extra care of myself.

Make sure you do too, because there is only one of you.

You’ve never been the you that’s here today and you are shedding, healing, learning, and growing, exactly how you’re supposed to.

And as India Arie reminds us, you can fly.

Spread your wings and set yourself free. 🕊