A dark room, no socialization and no motivation is just a small part of depression. It can be a demanding illness that will have you in a place of darkness and very alone. This illness wins because it convinces you that it is better to be isolated. It convinces you that there is no one that understands and no one who can help you. Having experienced depression myself, I want to share with you the four ways that I was able to finally come out of depression. These four ways are without clinical help or medication. My hope is that you put these four strategies into practice and allow them to help you, as they have helped me.
1) Support System-admit that you have a problem and instead of staying hidden allow yourself to reach out to others for help. It can be a family member, friend or a spiritual leader such as a pastor. Talk about what is troubling you and start your healing process.
2) Journaling-after being able to discuss your problem with a support system, start journaling. It is a form of therapy. In journaling, you can put all of your issues and problems on paper without being judged. Let journaling allow you to recognize what is bothering you and also help you recognize the triggers that lead you into depression. Open up your heart and your journal will protect it.
3) Prayer-saying a prayer every morning might help you leave the solace of darkness. I would say the following prayer every morning, “Lord, I don’t want to be unhappy, isolated or depressed. Please deliver me from this sickness so that I can be the best that I can be. I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen!” Also praying before bed or throughout the day helps renew your heart, mind and body. Remember nothing is too hard for God. Prayer can give you the peace that you need to get through the day without turning to the darkness of depression. Visit verse 2 Samuel 22:29, NLT and Psalms 34:18.
4) Leaving Your Comfort Zone- Depression has a way of becoming comfortable. To get out of that comfort zone means stepping out of the room or place that your depression is at its best. My comfort zone was my bedroom. Identify your place of comfort and slowly start stepping out of that place. Get out, start socializing and let your depression know that you are taking back control of your life.
There is a saying ”It’s easier said than done” and this may be true but if you put your heart and mind to overcoming depression it can be done. These four ways helped me to overcome the darkness that I was in and my hope is that the above strategies will give you relief as well.
*Please note that Teresa Beasley is not a Psychologist or Therapist. This article is written from experience and in hopes of helping another with this similar illness. Please consult a competent professional if you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of depression*
Teresa Beasley is a public relations, book reviewer and publisher from Indianapolis, IN and alumna of Indiana Tech (Fort Wayne, IN). She is an avid reader that loves to write. She plans to help bring visibility for authors wanting to express themselves through writing and speaking.
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