Dealing with Depression
When you’re feeling down and it seems like the sun just doesn’t want to shine for you, that’s depression. It’s like carrying an invisible backpack that’s filled with super heavy rocks. It makes everything feel harder — from getting out of bed in the morning, going to work or even hanging out with friends. But don’t worry, there are ways to make that backpack feel a lot lighter!
First off, find someone you can chat with. It’s important to talk about what’s going on inside your head. Maybe it’s a family member, a buddy, or a coworker. When you share what’s weighing you down, it’s like taking a big rock out of your backpack. Plus, they might have gone through the same thing and can give you some tips on how to feel better. You can always reach out to Skyline’s HR department for a caring ear and help finding resources to make things easier.
Second, do stuff that makes you smile. What’s your favorite thing to do? Maybe it’s going to the gym, drawing, or listening to your favorite music. When you do things that you love, it’s like your backpack is suddenly filled with balloons instead of rocks. It feels lighter, and so do you!
Third, get your body moving. Exercise isn’t just for athletes; it’s like a secret weapon against feeling blue. You don’t have to run a marathon — even doing pushups, riding your bike, or doing jumping jacks can help chase the clouds away. It’s like each move shakes a rock out of your backpack.
Fourth, eat like a hero. What you put in your body can really affect how you feel. If you eat lots of fruits, veggies, and drink plenty of water, it’s like you’re fueling up with the best energy. Junk food might taste good, but it’s like putting sand in your backpack — it makes it heavier. Good food keeps your body and your mood in tip-top shape.
Fifth, catch those Z’s. Sleep is super important. It’s like parking your backpack at the door and giving your body a break. When you get enough sleep, you wake up ready to carry your backpack again, and it might even feel a bit lighter.
Sixth, remember that every day is a new day. Sometimes, when you’re feeling really low, it can seem like it’s going to last forever. But feelings are like the weather — they change. Just because today is gloomy doesn’t mean tomorrow won’t be sunny.
Lastly, it’s totally okay to ask for help from a pro, like a doctor or a counselor. Imagine if your backpack was so heavy you couldn’t lift it. You’d need someone to help you, right? Well, sometimes our feelings can get so heavy that we need a pro to help us out. They’re like backpack experts who can help you sort through what’s inside and make it more manageable. Reach out to HR for the contact information for Blomquist Hale, our EAP provider. It’s completely free! You don’t have to face this alone!
Remember, everyone feels down sometimes, and it’s okay to talk about it and ask for help. You’re not alone, even if it feels like it. With these strategies, you can start to make that heavy backpack of depression a lot lighter, one rock at a time. And before you know it, you’ll be walking a little taller and smiling a little brighter.
