Depression isn’t the easiest subject to discuss, but chances are you or someone you know has been affected by depression. It can be sneaky and hidden, and displayed in a magnitude of different ways depending on the person. It can interfere with school, work, relationships, even sleeping and eating habits.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, depression is a treatable condition in which a person feels discouraged, sad, hopeless, unmotivated, or disinterested in life in general. These feelings may come and go for a short period of time, but when such feelings last for more than two weeks and begin to interfere with daily activities, it’s likely a major depressive episode.
Life has a tendency to throw some curve balls, and it’s normal and okay to have emotions, including the negative ones. However, mental illness is a serious matter, and while unfortunately there isn’t a clear solution or treatment, it’s important to seek help.
It’s also so important to remember that things can and WILL get better!
Photo: Elena Hight
Out of B4BC’s 8 Steps to Stomp Cancer, one of our breast cancer prevention tips is to love yourself. Maintaining a positive attitude and mind is a vital step in mental health, which in effect can diffuse into physical health.
If you are feeling depressed, many times it may take a toll on your confidence and ability to empower yourself. We want those who are having a hard time to know that they are loved, and have so much value.
Though there’s no clear answer to depression, one thing that may help is to boost yourself up, remind yourself of your power and value, and regain confidence in the amazing person you are. Below are a few tips we believe can increase confidence, happiness, and ultimate stoke levels.
- Surround yourself with positivity – reach out to a friend, family member, or that person you haven’t talked to in a while,that makes you feel good. Positivity and happiness are contagious. Surrounding yourself with more is going to increase those feelings within (whether you like it or not!) Cut yourself off of anything bringing or creating negativity. Life can and will get better once you make conscious decisions about saturating your life with things and people that make you feel good!
- Set (realistic) Goals – create inspiration pertaining to you, and only you. Don’t be afraid to start small and work your way up. Each goal achieved is an accomplishment and something to celebrate.
- Appreciate and *love* yourself – each person on this earth is beautiful and unique in their own way, including you! Modesty is a virtue, but sometimes you need a moment to flaunt what ya’ got and own it. Take some time and create a list of things you appreciate about yourself.
- Appreciate and *love* those around you – life is rad. Everyone is beautiful and unique, and so is the world around us. Meditate for even just 15-20 minutes a day (though the more, the better), and think about what you are most grateful for and make a list: the beauty in nature, the memories/dreams of snowboarding, surfing and skating, the possibilities of what you can do with each day, the ability to simply have all of these thoughts and emotions. Find the beauty in the things and the people around you. The possibilities are endless; remember what makes you happy, soak it in, and appreciate every second of it. Appreciating others will remind you to appreciate yourself.
- Be Healthy + Get Active – as mentioned, mental and physical health go hand in hand. Get outside! Walk around your neighborhood, find a hike, a beach, or a park. Get a breath of fresh air and do something active (walking, skating, surfing, bike riding, kayaking, paddle boarding) for 30 minutes a day, even if it’s only a few days a week.
Please note: While our goal is to empower and inspire, it is not our intention to provide any health recommendations. If you or someone you know is experience depression and needs help, please seek professional attention from the many resources available. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate help or having emergency, please reach out for help by calling 911 or call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to be connected to a trained counselor at a suicide crisis center nearest you.
In honor of Chris Cornell and those effected by depression and suicide.
Sources:
National Institute of Mental Health
