ShyFaecaught myself before a depressive episode, need advice
If only I knew. I notice and catch myself heading towards a decline when it happens nowadays. I try to throw the therapy techniques at it that I’ve been taught, but I still can’t manage to lessen the spiral once I’ve started to enter it. It’s frustrating that I see it early too and my efforts feel for naught.
Where are you at in terms of therapy techniques you’ve learned?
Unfortunately I haven’t been to therapy since I twas in my teens, admittedly it was for many years. I’m in my early 30’s now. All I really remember were basic self care, and trying not to blame the illness but having a construive and solution mindset.
I can go into more details about myself if you want, but to answer your question about what I do.
There’s not much I can do about it once I’m in the spiral, going for a walk on a sunny day seemed to help once. As well as activity fighting it mentality, but the results for that are dubious.
I’ve been making an effort to be kinder and healthier to myself. Actively trying to avoid negative language and use more positive words and meaning. I’m hoping with more exercise and posative thoughts, I’ll be able to let go of my self loathing and whatever else is holding me back.
I noticed I have a deppressive episode about once a week for about two years, and I started journalling in hopes of identifying any triggers for these apparently ransom episodes. Along with that trying to identify things that can actually make me feel happy. My goal is too find real joy in my life, something I haven’t felt in a very long time and I don’t think I could even recognize if I do find it.
I’m putting alot of effort into learning more about myself, in the hopes to become a better person for my wife and daughter.
I know my motivation should be for myself, but I’m honestly just not there yet.
Hey, man, you’re trying and giving yourself grace. I think accepting yourself really goes a long way, whether you think so or not. Think about how much worse off you’d be if you didn’t.
I haven’t worked my way “out” yet either, but I do try to do some nice things for myself when I get that way, like you do. They haven’t solved things, but they add little niceties to my day. Honestly it’s almost as if we should treat ourselves like having recurring illnesses. What do you do if you have the flu? Do you try to do a zillion errands and run a marathon? No. You relax and let household chores slip a bit and get yourself some comfort items.
Unfortunately, calling out of work that often isn’t really feasible, so maintaining the ability to work is one thing that’s really unavoidable though.