I'm sure you've heard that today is Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year. And this year, in our third lockdown in 12 months it's even more so.
I hope you're feeling OK? If you're not, do you have someone to talk to? If you can't talk, then did you know the mental health charity Shout has a free, 24/7 mental health text support service in the UK. They can help with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, relationship problems, bullying or if you're feeling overwhelmed.
Just TEXT 'SHOUT' TO 85258
More details are at https://giveusashout.org/
We found the list below online (original source unknown unfortunately), which aims to help people who are struggling. The tips wont take away depression; if you need help please do seek it. However it’s an easy, achievable list of things that can help. Even just doing one thing from the list could make a little difference. Then perhaps try two tomorrow?
I find for me making or creating something helps me.
DEPRESSION TIPS
Shower. Not a bath, a shower. Use water as hot or cold as you like. You don’t even need to wash. Just get in under the water and let it run over you for a while. Sit on the floor if you gotta.
Moisturize everything. Use whatever lotion you like. Unscented? Dollar store lotion? Fancy 48 hour lotion that makes you smell like a field of wildflowers? Use whatever you want, and use it all over your entire dermis.
Put on clean, comfortable clothes.
Put on your favorite underwear. Cute black lacy panties? Those ridiculous boxers you bought last Christmas with candy cane hearts on the butt? Put them on.
Drink cold water. Use ice. If you want, add some mint or lemon for an extra boost. I always use lemon.
Clean something. Doesn’t have to be anything big. Organize one drawer of a desk. Wash five dirty dishes. Do a load of laundry. Scrub the bathroom sink.
Blast music. Listen to something upbeat and dancey and loud, something that’s got lots of energy. Sing to it, dance to it, even if you suck at both.
Make food. Don’t just grab a granola bar to munch. Take the time and make food. Even if it’s ramen. Add something special to it, like a soft boiled egg or some veggies. Prepare food, it tastes way better, and you’ll feel like you accomplished something.
Make something. Write a short story or a poem, draw a picture, color a picture, fold origami, crochet or knit, sculpt something out of clay, anything artistic. Even if you don’t think you’re good at it. Create.
Go outside. Take a walk. Sit in the grass. Look at the clouds. Smell flowers. Put your hands in the dirt and feel the soil against your skin.
Call someone. Call a loved one, a friend, a family member, call a chat service if you have no one else to call. Talk to a stranger on the street. Have a conversation and listen to someone’s voice. If you can’t bring yourself to call, text or email or whatever, just have some social interaction with another person. Even if you don’t say much, listen to them. It helps.
Cuddle your pets if you have them/can cuddle them. Take pictures of them. Talk to them. Tell them how you feel, about your favourite movie, a new game coming out, anything.
May seem small or silly to some, but this list keeps people alive.
**Your absolute best won’t ever be good enough for the wrong people. At your worst, you’ll still be worth it to the right ones. Remember that. Keep holding on.
Finally, you can always speak to your GP or access a range of resources online. Here’s a link that might help.
Please be kind to yourself. x