People Share All The Ways They Actively Fight Depression | 22 Words

Depression can take on many different forms. It can cause exhaustion, where suddenly you want to sleep for five days straight and the thought of having to get out of bed seems completely impossible. It can make you completely unmotivated, introverted, and tell yourself lies about your appearance and self-worth. It can make you feel 100% alone in the world, and, without the proper management, can take over your life.

Our society still has a stigma against mental health issues, and until we start being more open about our own struggles, it will remain this way. The following 30 people offer advice on how they deal with depression, ranging from promoting self-care to simply trying to find humor in the little things.

These tips can help you improve your quality of life even if you're lucky enough not to have to deal with chronic depression. After all, who couldn't benefit from more snuggles from their furry friends?!

Take a cold shower

Sometimes a jolt of cold water can force you out of a funk. At the very least, you'll be clean afterward, which always helps elevate your mood.

Celebrate small victories

Give yourself credit for accomplishing even the smallest of tasks. When you suffer from depression, simply getting out of bed can feel impossible.

Have something to look forward to

Even if it's something seemingly small, like brunch with friends or weekend trip, having something to look forward to can help keep you moving forward and keep your eye on the "prize" rather than focusing on your depression.

Pet your fur babies

There's a reason why dogs become therapy animals. They're able to sense when we're feeling anxious or sad and provide extra snuggles and kisses until we feel better. Can you imagine a better therapy than that?

Get some rest

Sleep is immensely important to our physical and mental well-being. Even a quick power nap can help.

Know that you're not alone

Depression affects more people than you might realize. In fact, there are probably several people in your life who are going through something similar. Never let yourself feel like you're in this alone.

Put your best face forward

Even a swipe of lipstick can instantly brighten my mood.

Cuddle with loved ones

Take a moment to get outside and connect with the people who make you happiest. Even better: Leave your phone at home and just allow yourself to connect with nature.

Take your meds

Consider finding a medication that works for you. For some people, it can make all the difference in the world.

Get creative

Express yourself through art. You don't have to be good at it, you just have to be open and willing to be vulnerable.

Exercise self-care

Put yourself first. You're no good to others until you're good to yourself.

Hang with your favorite feline

Anything that helps to create a calm environment in your home is a must. For some people, a sweet, cuddly cat is the perfect medicine.

Try meditation

Don't knock it till you try it. You might be surprised by how much it can help.

Stay in the moment

Thinking too far into the future just creates anxiety. Start off small and go from there.

Music makes all the difference

If you don't think you can make it through the day, try putting on a pair of headphone, playing your favorite artists, and just keep moving.

Be open with your issues

Talk through your struggles with people you trust the most. They might be going through the same exact thing.

Talk to a professional

Talking to a professional about your problems can be a literal life-saver. They will have concrete tools to help you get through your most difficult times and offer advice that you might never have thought of on your own.

Hit the road

Going for a long drive can help you process your emotions or simply help to clear your head.

Gain some perspective

Realize that your depression is not your fault. And thinking about it differently can help to make tackling it seem less insurmountable.

Let yourself be rescued

I honestly feel like my rescue dog was the one who rescued me. If you haven't already, consider saving an animal who might otherwise be destined for a life behind bars.

Find humor in the little things

There's humor all around you, but only if you allow yourself to see it.

Enjoy a good cry

It sounds counterproductive, but a good cry can actually make me feel instantly better and more capable of tackling my issues. Give it a try next time you're feeling down.

Don't believe the lies

You are not worthless, stupid, ugly, or any of the other lies you tell yourself in the midst of a depressive episode.

Keep moving

Accept the things you cannot change. It sounds hard, but once you accomplish that, everything gets easier.

Do the best you can

You're only human. Do the best you can, and try not to beat yourself up.

Be there for others

Not only will helping others make you feel better, but it'll also give you some perspective about your own problems. No matter what, there's always someone who has it worse.

Don't allow yourself to feel guilty

Depression is nothing to feel guilty about. Find the help you need, and never feel ashamed to do so.

Reject negativity

If you have toxic people in your life, now's the time to cut them out. They're only making things worse.

Get some fresh air

It's amazing what a quick breath of fresh air can do for your mental state.

Keep laughing

Find the humor in little things. It makes everything seem like much less of a big deal.