Saying Goodbye to the Blues

I woke up this morning knowing my depression had come for a visit. I should have known it was coming. I haven't been able to sleep very well the past few days, but I chalked it up to my creative mind going on overdrive recently. It took me five days to finish a 348 page book when it would have normally took me five hours. My motivation has been dwindling, yes, there were many subtle signs my depression was coming to a head.

In the past, I would have stayed in bed all day, only getting up when I absolutely needed to.

But this is the year I decided to change things up and to care about myself a little more than I have in the past. I know giving up on that goal will only drive me deeper into the dark hole, and I can't have that happen.

Let me be clear: You should never feel like a failure because you are having a dark day after a long period of really good days. Depression can be managed, but even with that fact, you will still have tough days. It's what you do on those days to keep going despite your depression that makes the difference.

So here are some things I do to help me get through my down days.

Make up my bed. It is such a small thing, but it helps me feel like I accomplished something with my day. Sometimes it is all I need to help me see my depression doesn't have a complete hold on me. Plus, I don't like ruining my bed right after I make it, so it prevents me from being in bed all day.

Find joy in the small things. It makes me reminiscent for my childhood, when everything seemed to add to my joy, overflowing my cup many times. But even as an adult, especially recently, I am happy to know and tell you it is still possible. Yesterday, I took my blankets out of the dryer and was excited to find them warm. I ended up wrapping myself in them for a few minutes while they cool down and it made me feel like that little kid again.

Exercise. Everyone says this, so you're probably tired of hearing it, but it works. It can be as short as 15 minutes and you don't have to do an aggressive workout (unless you want to, you do you). Even better, go for a walk or jog outside if you are able.

Leave your bedroom. Better yet, leave your house if you're able. Looking at the same walls and pieces of furniture was part of what made things hard for me during the worst of COVID. If you are anything like me, we need changes in our scenery to remain sane and help snap us out of a funk. Right now, I am writing this in my local library rather than at home, something I plan on doing more.

Reread or rewatch something that makes you laugh or comforts you. Does this really need much explanation? In fact, I'm planning on watching both animated Spiderverse movies tonight. I have watched them so many times, but still go back to them when I am having a hard day.

Dress in nice clothes. This probably works more for people feel more confident in a nice outfit. This doesn't mean you have to be dressed up to the nines. But even if it is in the comfort of your home, change your clothes to help give you a boost. Plus, if you leave the house and someone gives you a compliment, it can be just the thing you need to start pulling you out of your funk.

Hang out with some great friends. I find I can't stay sad if I'm around a great group of people who know me and can make me laugh all the time. Make sure they are people you truly feel comfortable being yourself with even on your worst day; being around people you know are toxic can only make you more depressed. This is something I've learned the hard way.

Listen to some feel good or upbeat music. I have a playlist of songs that make me smile or sing along loudly; I know they will never fail to get me into a better mood. Recently, it seems anything to do with EPIC has been my go-to. (What, I'm a musical junkie, so sue me.)

Get your feelings out somehow. Write, talk, sing, scream it out so it doesn't stay trapped inside. Your feelings can become like rotten food, only making you feel worse than you already do.

The big lesson here?

The beginning of a dark day does not mean you are in for a huge storm that last for days on end. You too can say goodbye to your blues no matter when they show up.

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If you are struggling with depression to the point it is controlling your life, be sure to seek help. There isn't any shame in asking.

So what about you? What do you do when you are having a down day? Let us know in the comments below.