Day 3 of 31 days of Depression.
Are you prepared for depression? It seems to creep in unannounced but being prepared for it can make an immense difference.
Yes, even in the middle of it.
How does one plan for depression?
With a schedule. With a definitive plan.
Because when oppression rolls in, we tend to come to a stagnant stand still.
If your day feels wasted, it feeds the lies of being useless, a failure, and unimportant. Removing that fuel helps lead us out of the pit. It’s all about baby steps.
Write up a basic schedule and make yourself stick to it. No matter what.
- Shower and get dressed everyday. Staying in your jammies with matted hair all day enhances the “I don’t care” attitude. Getting dressed tells the brain you’re going to do something today – even if you don’t.
- Eat regular meals. Yes, sometimes you have to schedule them. Low blood sugar makes you feel tired and depressed. Don’t allow not eating to contribute to feeling down.
- Add a small chore or two. Pick something easy that will make you feel as though you did “something” today.
- Get up and go to bed at the same time everyday. Bless your body with the gift of rest but don’t overdo it.
- Go for a walk around the block. We know exercise produces endorphins that boost our mood but exercising while depressed seems impossible, so just take a quick walk around the block.
- Check off your scheduled items through out the day as you accomplish them. It will make you feel empowered.
From experience, I do realize that creating a schedule and doing it can seem overwhelming but our goal is to climb out of the pit of depression because it sucks to be down there.
Do today:
- Memorize this scripture: So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
- Pray: Lord, please give me the strength to care for myself each day. Your word says there is joy in you and I want that for my life. Please set my feet upon the rock and keep me firmly grounded. In Jesus Name, Amen.
- Write out your schedule for the day. Stick to it. Cross accomplishments off.
Do you stick to a daily schedule? How has it helped keep you from getting further into depression? *You may comment anonymously. Email addies aren’t published and you are welcome to use another name. Comment policy still applies.
To purchase this song:Beauty Will Rise
Day 4: Can I Suffer Depression And Still Be A Christian?
The next 31 days we will be discussing depression and healthy ways to combat it but we’re going to get real too. Because for those of us who wind up in the pit often, we know platitudes and fluff pieces do nothing for us. My expertise is only based 0n my own very personal battles with depression and is no way, professional or medical advice. Your participation in this series is voluntary and Melinda Todd is not legally responsible for any choices or actions of participants. Participants release Melinda Todd and Trailing After God from responsibility and liability and continue at their own risk and discretion.
You May Also Enjoy:
Depression: Step Out Of Yourself
Journal the Journey
Depression: Escape With Friends
Dealing With Depression Day 31
You’re right a schedule is important. When i lay around and wallow on the couch it just adds to my loser complex and it does feed the depression.
God doesn’t make losers, Suze. You were put here for a purpose. Even on the days that is hard to believe. We’ll talk more about this in the series but everyone experiences times of depression.
Melinda…I just found your blog from facebook’s Christian Blogger’s Network and I’m so glad I did. I do find myself in the pit of depression a lot more lately, and I have several very close friends who battle clinical depression. These steps you posted here are suprisingly simple and basic, but so very profound. Easy to incorporate/apply to a person’s life. Thanks so much for your wisdom and I’m looking forward to reading more from you here. You’re doing a wonderful thing here for those who have to deal with depression, thanks for being authentic.
Pam M.
Thanks Pam and welcome! My only expertise is my own experiences but I hope they help someone! it’s one of those areas that do not get discussed enough in the Christian world. We can’t pretend it doesn’t exist. It existed in the bible even 🙂
YES! Something that so many of us deal with at different times….and when it gets you in it’s grips…you don’t even realize it! Love your list and see the beauty of it! Thank you for this post!
These are great tips. I wish I had had this list when I was in the throes of a deep depression. It would have been very helpful—and I probably would have felt better sooner.
Thank you for the encouragement to those who are struggling!
Jennifer recently posted..Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop
Fantastic post Melinda! Well said, and very useful and practical…what a great encouragement to others!
Found you through Ann’s link-up.
What a ministry you have here with talking about depression. So many women struggle with it, even if it’s just mild. This was a wonderful post!
cheryl @ finding the beauty recently posted..It’s not their fault
Great tips! It really does help to follow some sort of routine. But taking those first steps can be so hard. Thanks for the tips! I am starting to feel the slip back down as the days are getting shorter and winter approaches. If I can implement some of these things now, I think it will really help.
Melissa @ Sisters ‘N Cloth recently posted..Cloth Wipes: Do you? Dare you?
I fight with something they call “situational depression”. and have for over 13 years. It gets very tough sometimes as you know. … But reading your posts definately helps me. I want to praise our Heavenly Father for bringing your writing into my life.
I also loved the “Beauty will Rise” song….The lyrics are amazing!!
Blessings,
Donna
Yes! I so know. I can even tell you which months I am most likely to fall. I’ve realized how much of a pattern it becomes. Having some healthy tools has helped immensely with dealing with depression. I’m glad you enjoyed that song. I so love it. It speaks so loudly to me.
Hi it’s day 3 & so far so good. I didn’t think I would actually follow thru but its working. I have depression & it’s a very lonely illness so getting up taking a shower getting dress was an excellent suggestion.Getting out side was wonderful. I am very active & happy when I am not in depression it’s almost like spit personality. I found you from my cousin when she shared this site on facebook. thank you 🙂
Welcome Sylvia! I am SO glad to her from you and to hear that it’s helping. It is a HARD road when you are depressed. Keep it up! I know it’s easy to get discouraged right now, but you CAN do it! Praying for the oppression of depression to leave you.
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