Since my hospitalization four years ago, each fall brings a life transition or change. Look at my timeline:
Fall 2013 relocated to Oakland, CA with no job
Fall 2014 change jobs, son received an official autism diagnosis
Fall 2015 daughter diagnosed with autism, the loss of my job
Being recently terminated from a job I love left me shattered. I felt myself spiraling into a depression, yet I knew I had to push without exception. It’s hard to keep moving when life throws you a curve. I believe it is a simple reminder to trust the universe and keep pursuing your destiny.
Recently during one of my depressive states, I stumbled upon a video entitled “Oprah on taking responsibility for your life.” Then it hit me, my A-ha moment had arrived: “I am responsible for my life.” In that moment I knew it was time to examine myself and reevaluate how to re-emerge out of my depression.
5 Tips To Thrive During A Depressive Episode
1) Pray/ Meditate ― No matter your religious background, prayer and meditation can set the stage for transformation. Prayer is speaking your needs into being, while meditation is quieting your mind to become directly connected to your higher self. I know it sounds new age, but prayer is spoken word that can change your life and manifest itself in multiple aspects of your life.
2) Recite A Mantra ― Remember, you become what you think by speaking positive self talk to yourself. Eventually you will begin to believe it.
3) Create A To Do List ― One thing I learned as a Mary Kay consultant is to create a six most important things to-do list. By creating a list I don’t have time to sit and be sad because I am creating a daily action plan to hold me accountable to how my day goes. I usually make this list before bed.
4) Dance ― Movement does a body good! Feeling down? Play some good music and dance! The movement will kick your endorphins up, and your spirits will be lifted!
5) Journal ― My writing coach tells me all the time, “You have a message. Keep writing; someone is listening.” Writing has been therapeutic ― it helps me to express my feelings and let go of any anger and bitterness.
While it has not been easy, each day I have pushed. What I know for sure is that my top five keep me going. It’s a source of strength and prevents me from getting so depressed that I lose my motivation. My steps may not work for you, but just know you’re never alone.
I’d love to hear how you overcome or work through your depressive episodes! Tweet me @iammyishat.
If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.