7 Things Your Depression Doesn’t Want You to Know

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, and it’s also the most common cause for missing work. It’s a tough problem that can make you pessimistic, among many other things. On top of that, there are a lot of things your depression doesn’t want you to know, and it tries to sink you farther and farther in so you can’t see them.

Antidepressants are the largest category of medication sold worldwide. According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) the number of people using them is somewhere between 10-15%.

Why is this happening? Is our increasingly complicated lifestyle making us more vulnerable? The truth is that there’s no clear reason “why.” All we know is that, just like no two people are the same, there are no identical cases of depression.

That’s what makes it so hard to establish strategies that can help anyone with depression. Still, there are some simple facts that can be worth remembering on your lowest days. Today, we want you to learn what they are, and what exactly it is that your depression doesn’t want you to know.

What your depression doesn’t want you to know

1. Your self-esteem is critical

The way you see and interpret the world around you can change based on your self-esteem. When it’s low, you become obsessed with everyone else around you, as if they’ve been given the things that you should have had for yourself.

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You might start to see yourself as someone who doesn’t deserve certain things. Or, even worse, you might think you don’t “have what it takes” to get them.

A lack of self-esteem creates internal imbalances and conflicts that will take their toll on you over the course of your life.

People often say that the most dangerous form of depression is the one that comes from within. In those cases, there’s no specific cause that triggers your disorder. The problem is within you, and could have been growing since your childhood.

If your family situation has always been difficult, your relationship with your parents has never been positive, or you never matured emotionally, you might have self-esteem issues.

You harbor an inexplicable sadness day in and day out, lacking motivation and feeding the discouragement that leads to depression.

Pay attention to your self-esteem! Make sure you’re the star in the movie of your life and not a supporting actor!

2. Your suffering isn’t going to last forever

We promise you this: depression doesn’t last forever, nor will that pain you’re feeling that has paralyzed you.

If you approach every day in a more rational way, shutting out negative thoughts and holding on to your dreams, your depression will eventually let go. It will start to fade away until it’s just a distant shadow.

3. Focus on the present

The past is in the past, it’s gone, it’s no longer here with you.

What good does it do to focus on something from a month or a year ago, when all it does is cause you pain? It’s not worth it. But don’t start thinking about your future in a fatalistic way, either. Remember that you don’t have a crystal ball – there’s no telling what might happen.

Allow yourself to live in the here and now with passion and the happiness that you deserve. That’s the only thing worth your efforts.

4. Always ask for help, but make sure you’re asking the right people

You might have heard people say  things like how you should always turn to your family first, because they’ll never fail you. Well, hopefully that’s the case, but there are always people who can do more harm than good, family or not.

There are still people out there who believe that even if you have a diagnosed depression disorder, it’s because you’re a weak person “who’s always sad.”

Be careful. Seek help from a professional and lean on family members and friends who really know how to listen to you, comfort you, and have the right words at the right times.

5. Your depression doesn’t like to leave the house

One thing your depression doesn’t want you to know is that it doesn’t like to leave the house. It’s the truth. Depression loves being in the dark with the blinds drawn. It craves silence, where you shut yourself in with negative or fatalistic thoughts.

But don’t let it trick you – get outside and walk every day for at least half an hour. Take in the fresh air, let the sun kiss you with its warmth and talk to the people you meet. Surround yourself with life, movement, light, and joy – every day.

Read more:

4 Psychological Benefits of Walking

6. Your depression loves junk food

Pastries, snacks, frozen dinners, fast food… these foods all calm your anxiety and give you momentary pleasure. But they also promote the chemical imbalance associated with depression, further fueling those negative neurotransmitters.

Start eating more fresh fruit and vegetables. Drink water and tea. Following a healthy diet can help you feel better and get your body to start getting rid of toxins.

7. Decide to say “no” to your depression

This isn’t easy. Saying “no” to depression requires a lot of strength and courage, but one thing is clear: you are not your depression, and it definitely doesn’t want you to know that.

You’re a human being who deserves to find happiness again. You should be able to look at your life with enthusiasm and hope. So…why don’t you let go of this lurking shadow that’s trying so hard to make you suffer?