What To Do When You Feel Like Giving Up

Hello again! Welcome back.

Today I want to talk about what to do when you’re feeling down. The last few days have been tough on me, and my mood has been quite low… so I was inspired to write this post hoping that it helps. Hopefully you will find some comfort in knowing it’s normal to feel this way every once and a while, and learn some ways you can overcome your low mood!

First I want to say that down days are normal. You’re not human if you’re happy all the time! Mood fluctuations are normal and help inform us that something is wrong with our lives and that we should consider changing things. Most of us will experience depression in our lives one way or another, whether it be going through it yourself, or a loved one experiencing it.

Yes, but what exactly is depression?

Depression is a form of mental illness and has a range of symptoms such as sadness, low energy, loss of interests in activities and in life,  loss of appetite and weight, lack of libido, difficulty concentrating, self criticism, feeling of hopelessness, withdrawal from other people, difficulty making decisions and sometimes suicidal thoughts. Clinical depression varies from mild to severe, and is worse than simple fluctuations in mood. If you believe that you have depression, make an appointment to see your doctor and talk about options. They may suggest medication (antidepressants) and therapy.

Having depression is disabling. You might wake up in the morning and not be able to get out of bed because you feel so bad. You might cry all day and not know why, and that’s ok. Your feelings are valid. You just need help to get better. Once you are diagnosed with depression it may feel like your whole world is crumbling and you are going down with it, but that’s not the case. It may feel horrible, but there is help and support you can get from your doctor, psychiatrist, friends and family.

What should I do when I’m feeling down?

There are many ways you can make yourself feel better when you aren’t feeling the best. It’s difficult, but can be done. Whether you are feeling depressed, or are just having an off day, here are some of my top tips for making yourself feel better. Let’s go!

1. Go for a walk: I can’t stress this enough. Even if you are tired, get up and go. Don’t think about it, just do it. Fresh air and a little exercise is great for the mind.
2. Drink water and get something to eat: Are you hydrated? If not, get some water. Have you eaten in the last 3 hours? If not get some food with protein in it, not just carbs.
3. Listen to some music: Listen to your favourite song or have a little dance around your room to some pop music. Even if pop isn’t your thing, having a little dance to a catchy song will improve your mood.
4. If it’s daytime: Put on clean clothes that aren’t pyjamas. Wear something that makes you feel good about yourself.
5. If it’s nighttime and you can’t sleep: If you’re not already in bed, go. If you’re in bed already but can’t sleep, make yourself comfy and cuddle a teddy bear. Close your eyes for 15 minutes, don’t look at any electronic screens. If you’re still awake after that, you can get up again.
6. If you feel useless, take a breath: Get something completed. No matter how small. Reply to an email or fill the dishwasher, anything that will give you a sense of accomplishment.
7. If you feel unattractive, take a selfie!: Your friends will remind you how good you look.
8. Take time to yourself: If you’ve over-exerted yourself physically, socially, emotionally or intellectually give yourself a break. That can take a toll on you and linger for days. Rest your body, take some alone time, and relax in whatever way helps you.
9. Say something nice to someone: Whether its online or in person, saying something nice to someone else can improve your own mood. It’ll make them feel good, and in turn will make you feel good.
10. Wait a week:  Keep yourself going for a full week, whatever it takes: and If you still feel really bad after a week, make an appointment to see your doctor/counsellor.

Those are some of my top tips for making yourself feel better. They usually work for me, so I hope they work for you too! Remember: You’ve made it this far, and you will make it through. You are stronger than you think.

What are some of your top tips for feeling better? What are some of your stories? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading,

All my love,
Lex.