By Laura Carter
When someone is deeply affected by their depression it can be a battle to just get out of bed in the morning.
No matter the degree of the depression, those suffering from depression or those who are even prone to it can truly benefit from the creative and therapeutic outlet of writing.
How can writing help you with your depression?
While writing is not a cure for depression, it can assist in generating positive thoughts and attitudes while at the same time giving you a sense of calm and self-worth.
Places to Start with Writing for Assistance with Depression:
- Write Everyday
Take ten to fifteen minutes to write every single day. While it might seem like a daunting task or something you want to avoid, starting a habit of writing everyday can help you achieve a more positive mindset. Allowing yourself to write each day can help you channel your feelings and discover your true emotions as well as confront them.
- Discover a Need You’re Having in the Moment
When you are in the moment you can take action upon your needs or wants at that time. When you sit down to write, find out what you need or want in that moment in time and write it down. Maybe a walk in the sunshine or a nice cup of tea would do your body good. Whatever you are feeling in the moment, write it down and take positive action towards it.
- Write About What is Causing You to Deepen Into Your Depression
One difficult thing to realize is what sends us into a deeper tailspin into our depression. Is there something in particular that is weighing you down today? Are your thoughts drifting back to a repetitive state? Acknowledge these thoughts and feelings by writing them down. As you are writing, you should ask yourself ‘Why?’
- Describing Your Depression
Often overlooked, yet highly important, is describing your depression. What color is it? Does it take on a form or shape? Can you describe a texture? Anything that can help you visualize your depression can allow you to combat it easier. Remember, you are not your depression.
- Make Lists
Generating lists can be an easy way to accomplish tasks or see how your depression is affecting your entire life. One exercise I recommend would be to write down a list of ten things your depression is taking from your daily life. Whether it be big or small, write down ways your depression is robbing you of living a healthy and fulfilled life. For each item you write down, you should then write down an action or small step towards getting it back.
- Write Conversations with Your Depression
As I mentioned before, your depression is not you. Another beneficial writing exercise is to write out a conversation with your depression. Ask it questions such as: Why are you here? Why do you think you have a right to be in my life?
- Write About a Time When You Were Not Affected by Depression
Take time to reflect on a period of time or memory from your life when you were not depressed. Write down as many details as you can remember about this time in your life. Where were you? Who were you with? How old were you? What were you doing? And so on and so forth are great mapping tools to find the full details of this happy place in time where you once were.
- One Step and One Day at a Time
Coping with depression is not easy and you will have to fight to make effort every single day to continue moving forward and away from your depressive state. Give yourself time to take small steps towards your goals. Remember, it will happen slowly, over time, and one day at a time. Reminding yourself that you are not super human will help keep you grounded on your journey to overcoming depression.
Stay strong and stay hopeful as well as diligent so you can become the best self you can be.
About
Laura Carter has great experience in the educational and writing field. Right now she works with www.dissertationwritingservices.org. She’s keen on psychology, non-fiction writing and language learning. Follow her on Twitter: @carterlaura15
Picture credit. http://www.freepik.com/
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