Overcoming Depression My Journey: #4 Supports Role
Support Systems are Very Helpful When Working to Overcome Depression
When you’re struggling with depression and anxiety the last thing you really want to do usually is reach out and talk to someone. You feel like you are alone, and that no one would understand what you’re going through. At least that was how I felt. Not to mention the FEAR I had of sharing what was going on. To open up my heart and soul to them and have them not understand, think I was a freak or not be able to take it. Then I would lose a friend. It paralyzed me and isolated me to keep everything inside.
Truth Be Told
I did lose friends here and there. I mean I struggled with depression for 18+ years. Honestly that’s bound to happen over anyone’s lifetime with friends. That being said though it was a Real FEAR and it kept me from sharing. Not sharing and choosing to remain isolated though just fuels the depression. It keeps you in that place where you feel like no one will ever understand what you’re going through and you’ll always be alone. This is where the Support System plays such a HUGE Role in defeating depression.
My Support System…
Was an online community of people who fed positive and uplifting thoughts into me everyday. At least everyday I was willing to tap into the community, I mean after all if you’re depressed enough it’s hard to want to be a part of a group of people who are all smiles. It can almost hurt to see others so happy. That being said though I forced myself to be a part of the community. I didn’t talk much but I listened and when I did share they cheered me on. When others would share I’d cheer them on. It was a cycle of positivity that brought me joy. The people in this group helped me more than many of them will ever know.
My Other Trick…
when I would find the negative thoughts and chatter start in a day I would reach out to a friend and ask them, “How are you doing?” Simply asking someone else no matter if their answer was something good or bad would take my mind to a different place. If it was something positive it would help me to be in a happier place. If it was not good then I’d find myself pondering how I could help them and coming up with advise. Either way I wasn’t thinking about whatever negative thoughts I had been struggling with before reaching out to them. I was in a different frame of mind. A better mindset.
Some Tips to Finding Your Own Support System
- Find a Support Group – Look for a group that you can meet with in person locally. There are many groups for those who are dealing with depression and anxiety. They are mainly led by a mental health professional, and are a great place to find others who are going through similar emotions and struggles. Being in a setting like this can make us feel less alone. Google Support Groups in your community or ask your physician to get connected.
- Find a Professional – If you haven’t already done so finding and talking with a therapist, counselor or even life coach can help. They may share tips and resources that can help you move past your struggles.
- Find a Mentor – If you know of someone who has successfully battled depression or anxiety talk with them. Ask them questions. Chances are they will be more than happy to share their journey with you. Where they were and what they did to get to where they are today. These tips could help you to defeat depression in your own life.
- Go Online – Sometimes talking to someone in person is just too much, or sometimes it’s not an option. In that case research online for a support community. Make sure you find a group of people that will speak positive energy into your life daily. That they are actively working on becoming better, and not JUST focusing on negativity and worry.
Most Importantly
Find someone who you can talk to and share what you’re going through.
Don’t allow depression to have power over you keeping you feeling isolated.
I stress to you that this is MY JOURNEY. I’m Not a Physician and would NOT suggest to make any changes to your plan without consulting your physician.
If you have any questions please comment below or send me a message.
Thank you for taking the time to read the Overcoming Depression My Journey: #4 Supports Role. If you found this information useful please share it on social media or with your friends and family.
For the rest of the blogs in this series:
