In some ways I categorize my depression as bipolar. I have never been diagnosed as bipolar, but it wouldn’t shock me if I was. When I say my depression is bipolar, I mean that it isn’t always a constant thing. Sometimes I feel nothing but sadness, for no reason. Other times, I am completely happy. Sometimes it changes in the matter of minutes. While other times a “phase” can last several days.
Lately, I have been on the happy side. Though that doesn’t mean I haven’t had my moments of other feelings, too. In general, my happiness has been outweighing the sadness.
I attribute a lot of it to my blog. I write a lot about what I am feeling, it takes the burden away. For the most part, I share those feelings publicly. I think I have 3 or 4 posts that are set to private because they are meant just for me. It becomes a reference so that I can understand why I react the way I do to things. It even helps me dig deeper into my feelings.
Let me insert a necessary disclaimer here.
I am in no way, shape, or form a medical professional. I am just a person with opinions and the will to help. Do not take what I say as law.
With that being said, let me move on. One common issue people with depression face is not wanting to be on medication. Granted, some people absolutely need medication. Talk with your health care provider and you can decide what works best for you. As for me, medicine is not something I am a fan of. I tried antidepressants before, but they made me feel worse. Since then, I vowed to myself that I would take natural approaches and find coping mechanisms to get through my spells.
Here are three things that help me.
- Get it out! I think many people with depression could attest to this. Harboring feelings only harvests more darkness. When you release the dark energy, you feel so much better. You may find peace in writing or talking. If you take the time to process it, you will feel better.
- Hobbies. Having something to fall back on can be beneficial when you need to pull yourself out of a rut. For instance, sometimes when I am down, I sing. I find something that makes me happy and I gravitate to that when I am down. You could draw, color, paint, sing, dance, and many other things. Once you find what you like (and what works) you sort of make it a hobby.
- Head on. Often times sadness comes from a particular place, circumstance, or relationship. If you know what’s causing it, tackle it head on. For instance, if you’re depressed because you did not receive closure, then seek it. Whatever it is, do it with a clear and open mind.
It is very easy to let the darkness consume you. You have to be able to hold yourself accountable and say, “Not today, depression. Not today. Today I am choosing my feelings and they are going to be good ones.”
Jenn
Reclaiming My Sanity 
Bi-polar has a lot of similar symptoms to other metnal illnesses. When I first started reading blogs of people that are bi-polar, I started thinking I might be, but I’m not. They have bouts of anger -uncontrollable, periods of highs and lows. Medication is necessary for people that are bi-polar. I’m not a psyciatrist either but there are so many different illnesses.
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So true! I don’t feel that I would be as extreme of a case if I happened to be bipolar. My grandma was bipolar, so I am predisposed to it.
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Well I hope it turns out that you are not. There are so many similarities, yet so many differences.
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I do have the anger, but can mostly control it. I think there is a line and I don’t feel like I fit it entirely. It’s hard to say, really.
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It is hard to tell.
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I think it’s important that those who live with depression are the ones who should really be listened to as to what works in dealing with it. Kudos for contributing to the conversation!
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I agree! It is not a one size fits all solution.
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Yes, more people need to realize that depression, being a mood disorder, could be helped by a variety of techniques. Andrew Solomon (a writer who’s battled depression) once pointed out that if standing on his head lifts his mood, then standing on his head could be considered part of his treatment. It’s the end result that should be the main consideration.
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Absolutely right!
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I watched his TED Talk several times. I heard something new each time.
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Yes, I think he touched on more than just depression, but several other significant points as well…I had to watch it several times, too.
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Thanks for the post. Those are wonderful tips and everyone is unique so each has to do what’s best for him/her. I do think no matter what something has to click within the individual for anything to change. 😀
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I absolutely agree!
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Using your creativity can be such a big help. Writing is gift and we are wise to do it. That’s why we were given that gift. When we don’t use our creative abilities, depression has a chance to overwhelm us and win the day.
Thank you for your post that encourages others to choose. When you believe you have choice, you believe you have power.
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You are right on all accounts!
Thank yuou for reading and commenting!
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Your three tips are great ideas. Nice post.
I’ve often seen this attributed to Jim Morrison, but I’ve never been able to find the exact quote. I’m going to butcher it here for you!
People always try to get rid of their depression as soon as it sets in. Why? Depression is a powerful emotion. Don’t let it consume you, don’t let it control you, but some of the most beautiful art in the history of humanity has been created whilst in the depths of depression. Use it as a powerful impetus to get you doing something.
Obviously, that’s a dangerous situation – especially if you “bottom out”, but there’s a reason you’re depressed when you get that way. A creative outlet is a fantastic way to come to terms with what is affecting you. I’m not saying depression is something to be enjoyed, but it can be used in a positive way. Be aware of your situation and, above all, be safe.
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Good new is, I don’t know the quote so it wasn’t butchered to me haha. It definitely is a powerful emotion. I have always held the belief of “mind over matter”. I feel the brain is more powerful. Creative outlets allow the brain to switch gears and if you do that enough times eventually it becomes a habit. Once it is a habit, you don’t have to think much about it. That is how I feel my depression has started going away. For the first time in many years, I really feel like I can see the light out of the darkness.
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