Struggling with mood disorders can be very difficult. Depression robs millions of people of energy, enjoyment of life, and produces negative thoughts. Some individuals even report physical symptoms of fatigue, aches and pains. Bipolar can cause people to feel like they are on a roller coaster with no way of stopping. Today we are going to talk about how people living with mood disorders can find ways of coping with the stress of life and get on the road to feeling better.
People can feel shame and often blame themselves for the negativity they face. It is important to remember mood disorders do not define us. We are not what our depression tells us we are. Once we can identify the depression talk we can work on steering our thoughts in the right direction.
The first step is to re-focus your thoughts on something hopeful. This could be as simple as reading a devotion or finding an encouraging quote for the day. It is really important to put hope in front of you in some way. It may be an encouraging quote you decide to put on the screen of your smartphone. It may be an affirming note you leave yourself on the bathroom mirror. Whatever it is, use it to your benefit.
The next step is to engage in some kind of activity in your day. Perhaps it is something you find relaxing or enjoyable. Coloring, or drawing on paper, writing in a journal, painting or creating art from clay! It can be as simple as talking a walk around your neighborhood. Depression hates activity so anything you can do in the day will help pull you out of it's clutches!
Finally, you may find it helpful to get organized with a personal planner. This sometimes helps people who struggle with focus and memory to ensure they do not miss appointments or forget self care. This is another opportunity to put something of encouragement in front of you! Stay Encouraged!
