If you haven’t figured it out yet, or this is your first post of mine, Hello my name is Mia and I have a depressive disorder. I am a year and a half into being diagnosed and the learning curve is still high af.
Right now, I’m in a depressive episode, a mental slump, a low of sorts if you will. And I’m currently working my way out of it one moment at a time. So, I wanted to share some things I’m doing to help move through it.
- Don’t Forget The Basics
It’s me, Hi, I’m the one who forgets my basic needs when I’m depressed. Eating? Don’t know her. Over sleeping? A new specialty of mine. A problem, I know, but I’m working on it. How? A lot of trial and error, and guidance from my awesome support team.
That means that even on the hard days, I try to get out of my pajamas (even if it’s just into sweat pants). Eat some food and move my body (anything from walking back and forth in my apartment to taking a dance class). I know doing these simple, yet sometimes difficult tasks, can make a huge difference in my day.
And on those hard days, I’m trying to do the best I can to move the needle just a few notches towards “healthy mia”
2. Take Things One Task as a Time
Now, when I’m feeling depressed the last thing I want to leave my bed. The world outside of my bed just feels too overwhelming and the to do list inside my head has way too many things on it, so I’d rather just stay in my bed.
In those moments, the only way I’m doing #1 is by breaking them down into small realistic steps. That can look like the following
Step 1: Roll Over
Step 2: Sit up
Step 3: Find comfortable hoodie & some sweatpants (& eventually put them on)
And the steps continue so I don’t get overwhelmed and am accomplishing more than I thought could that day, even minutes before.
3. Moving My Body
I barely want to get out of my bed let alone exercise. But I seriously can’t deny the effect exercise has on my body. I was telling a friend the other day that it’s annoying how good exercising on a regular basis can make me feel. Annoying because on those hard days, I cannot even.
But whether it’s a walk with some of my favorite doggos (I’m also a dog walker) or taking a dance class, I’m always grateful that I went.
However, there are days when even that feels like a lot and to get things going, I’ll do some stretches in my bed to get all warmed up. All movement counts in my book.
4. Connect with the Squad
I honestly love my squad (Which is a whole post in itself, but not what this one is about lol). My friends have been and continue to be my biggest supporters when it comes to my mental health. So I’ll hit them up. Sometimes, I’ll see if they’re available for a deep talk. Other times, I just want to talk about nonsense. Or just enjoy the exchange of memes and reels on instagram. Whether it’s an honest moment of vulnerability or a funny exchange of laughter, reminding myself that I’m not alone and that people care about me helps me to get out of that mental state and focus on the truth.
5. Be Patient with Myself
I’m honestly not very patient with myself. Others? Yes! Myself? mmm…Sometimes.
Having a depressive disorder has humbled me so much. I wasn’t this super cocky confident person before being diagnosed, but I am and continue to be someone that’s harder on myself than I should be. So, to get through the day I need a little extra patience, a little extra care and a little extra grace.
I used to really want to be perfect but nowadays I just want to be healthy.
Bonus Points: Do something that makes you happy!
I’ll go get my favorite smoothie from Central Cafe and Juice Bar.
I’ll watch Suicide Squad which is a comfort move for me (Don’t ask me why, but it is)
Go pick out another plant that I don’t need for my apartment but it’s pretty
Make time to go thrift shopping and get creative!
Take care of yourself fellow adults! It’s hard out here…for real.
This is so well put together. Beautiful vulnerability and wisdom 😌