Wandering Aussie

Confession of my depression : It gets better (part 2)

Note : Part 1 is here

If someone had said to me even 6 months ago, that I would be where I am today, I would of laughed in their face. I probably would of had some disparaging remark about myself, and probably ended up with some diatribe of how wrong they were.

I’m not here to tell you I am cured. I’m not, and I’m far away from being so, But Pain / Anxiety / Depression are a part of life, and like anything else in life they need to be managed and dealt with in a healthy way. 

Firstly I’m not a health professional, I’m not a shrink, I’m not in any way officially qualified to offer any advise what so ever. 

My way of coping

Exercise

• This is priority number one. Nothing allows me to think through things as well as exercise does. I’m a big fan of long walks, as they allow me to soak up the sounds, smells, and sights of the world around me. It also brings that pleasant smile, and nod when you walk past fellow walkers. 
• Find something you love doing. And do it every time you should. Nothing is better than consistency.
• Find people / club / classes / gym that want to do the same things you do. Being challenged by those around you keep you consistent.
• Find a trainer that has the same goals as you do. Who will help, encourage, and most importantly challenge you.

Friends / Companions / Lovers / Family / Hangout Partners

• Stop hanging out with people that make you feel devalued. 
• Stop hanging out with people that are as miserable as you. Misery loves company, but you walk away worse than you started. 
• Stop hanging out with people who’s only way of entertaining themselves is getting drunk, drugged, sex, sad movies, sad music, or use you.
• Stop hanging out with people who don’t love you back.
• Stop being with people that lie, and cheat. 
• Stop hanging out with people who sabotage your progress.
• Choose friends that make you laugh, and respect you.

Live within your means

• Stop wasting you hard earned cash on bullshit. 
• Stop cluttering your life with the consumer machine. The latest gadget that will end up in a box 3 weeks later.
• Stop trying to charge up some happy.
• Nothing creates more stress than living above your means. It’s an addiction, and the consumer machine works overtime. 
• De-clutter your life. Remember the joy of when you are away from home with minimal things. That’s what you need at home as well. 

Start looking after yourself

• Treat yourself as special.
• Nourish yourself with healthy foods. They will make you feel amazing.
• Most overweight people eat plenty of food, but believe it or not are nutritionally starving. Body is craving for all the things you aren’t having. Vitamins, Minerals, Essential Fatty Oils etc.
• Find things that make you laugh and smile, and occupies your time.
• I can’t stress this part enough. Get in touch with you again. Stop running away from who you are. That disconnect is the void you are trying to fill with everything else.

Get Help

• Seriously, go get help. No don’t give me that strange look. You have been fighting this for years. If anything that should tell you that you are strong, but need guidance. 
• Take your time in choosing who to talk to. Just like everything else in life, one person who maybe perfect for me, would completely suck for you. If you don’t see progress, or you just don’t plain get on, find another one.
• If getting a therapist is beyond your means find a friend who is neutral in your life who will let you talk to them. You need to get all this shit out of you. While it’s buried with in you, you can’t do a damn thing about it.
• Trust yourself.

I never said this was going to be easy. It’s a battle, and you need to treat it that way. The focus you need to have is massive, but it is all very worth it. 

Remember nobody is perfect, even the most happy, and comfortable people have been through their trials and drama. The only difference between them and you is the way they approach those hassles, and work through them. There is nothing like having a challenge, and beating it. This is no different.

I’m not where I want to be, but I now treat myself with the respect I deserve, and have created boundaries for myself that I won’t allow anyone to cross. For example a couple of my non-negotiable are:

1. No dating until i’m respecting and happy in myself.
2. No people in my life that prevent, or hinder my healthy lifestyle, by either devaluing myself worth or by preventing me from exercising.

I have plenty more, but they are personal to yourself.

Just remember you have been fighting all your life against the dreaded black dog, you just need to remember that if you focus this energy in the right place you will never regret what comes out of it.

Most of all.

BE BRAVE. IF YOU DON’T TAKE RISKS YOU MISS OUT ON THE GOOD STUFF.

Even though I have never met any of you. I love you unconditionally for taking the time to read it.