Let’s Get You Back

Feeling sad sometimes is normal, and a natural human emotion. We all have off-days. The question is: When does it become a problem?

The National Institute of Mental Health states that depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Whatever the cause, anxiety and depression takes a major toll on the lives of its victims. You can have one without the other, but a lot of times, the two go hand-in-hand like sadistic twins from a scary movie. Now, back to the million-dollar question: When does the basic human emotion known as sadness become a problem? In my opinion, it’s time to get help when you can’t find even an ounce of motivation to get out of bed. It is a problem when you stopped enjoying the things you once found fun. It is a problem when you start having dark and lonely thoughts intertwined with hopelessness like vines pulling you into an abyss.

As if that isn’t enough trouble for one person, somebody invited depression’s ugly sister, anxiety, to the party.  Anxiety likes to play games with your head. It makes you think you’re not good enough and every single person who compliments you is lying. It makes a crowd of people you have to approach seem like an incoming tidal wave of rapid heartbeats and overthinking “hellos.” Anxiety is burning a few extra calories from the constant fidgeting and bouncing of your leg. Anxiety is the mean girl who called you fat, except now she whispers it every time you’re not sure about your outfit.

Luckily for humanity, there are things we can do to battle our biggest, nastiest demons. It is important for those suffering from anxiety and depression to remember they are not alone, as cliché as it sounds. These are the most common mental disorders in the U.S., and there are many people who are also going through the ringer. It may feel like you burned the last match inside your cave, but trust me, there is light inside that darkness.

Now that you know you’re well accompanied, here are some things you can start doing to recover at least a sliver of your old self:

1. Make your body cry. Yes, I mean sweat. Exercise can help increase endorphins and give you a happy kick in the pants.
2. Find activities you enjoy, other than crying to sad music and pretending you’re in the music video. If you enjoy music, find a live show by local artists. You can read, learn an instrument, make jewelry, draw, learn to dance or cook, etc. There are so many things out there that you may not even know you’re into.
3. Talk to someone. Go on a coffee date with a friend, go to the movies, have dinner, and reconnect with society. People suck sometimes, but they can also be a beautiful addition to your life.
4. Stop comparing yourself to others on social media, or anywhere else. A study reported by Psychiatric Times says that individuals with anxiety are more likely to make social comparisons, therefore perceiving themselves as lesser-than.
5. If you need help, get help. There is no shame in taking anti-depressants or going to therapy. Let go of the social stigma that society places on you to try and go through this alone because of shame. Seeking help is brave, and something to be proud of.

For more information on getting adequate help visit https://www.nami.org/ or call 1-800-950-6264