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It is extremely hard to get out of bed when you have depression. Some days are easier than others, but overall, it’s unpredictable.

For myself, I was constantly cancelling plans. I never wanted to meet new people. I felt like I wanted to crawl out of my skin each and every day.

There’s nothing worse than faking your depression.

“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing!” I’d say.

What was I supposed to say?
“I’m down. I don’t know what I’m doing here. Everything feels wrong.”

Those deep feelings of emptiness are so strong.

But how do we survive in a society that functions as “Go, go go”?

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Some of us can’t. Some of us have to find ulterior ways to make a living that is right for us.

And then I thought that maybe the problem isn’t our depression.

For some of us, maybe it’s our unwillingness to accept that there is only one way of life:

Working to live.

Perhaps we’re not giving ourselves enough credit. Maybe our depression can lead us to ta better direction.

We want to feel purpose and fulfilled.

And to be honest, it doesn’t always matter what you’re job is. We can find happiness in the littlest things.

What it boils down to, is this:

“What am I missing?” Or, “What am I running from?”

And now we reflect.

What is “missing” within you? What is so uncomfortable that you run away from?

This might involve a lot of reflection, shadow work, and healing therapies.

I always say, ”It’s much easier to add than to take away.”

So, what are some things we can add to our own lives that enrich us?

Is it music? Creativity? Love? Awareness?

When we add fruitful and loving practices to our lives, what’s meant to leave will no longer have a place to stay.

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Let’s review these 5 tips I’ve created to help those who work with depression:

Talk about your day to a good friend or family member: Whether you’ve met them online or you know them personally, designate 1-2 people that you can chat with every day and check-in. Often times, our depression goes unheard. When we give it a channel, we are freeing ourselves little by little. You don’t have to go into great detail or feel bad about sharing your day with someone else. While I was suffering from panic and anxiety, I let a good friend know that I would contact her if I needed someone to talk to. She was very understanding and she was there for me to keep me company. Sometimes talking with people, even if that’s the last thing we want to do, can be incredibly up-lifting.Plan an event after work: Whether it’s going grocery shopping, taking a walk with a friend, or going to the gym, you will have something to look forward to after work. Instead of feeling like work is taking up your whole life, you will feel more as if it is just a part of your day.Express: We all need an outlet. Even if you’re not creative, no one has to see your work. Something simple as coloring a picture, writing a song, poem, or blog, allows you to be creative. Creativity is often the window to our soul.Take a good lunch: Assuming most work places obey the law and give you a lunch break, take a good one! Make your own or buy something different. Taking 30-60 minutes out of your day for you is so important. It’s something to look forward to mid-day. And instead of checking social media the whole break, take a few minutes to read some prayers, repeat mantras, or listen to a podcast that uplifts you.Have a good morning: The morning can be the hardest part. Leave out your clothes, shower the night before (if that helps with time), and have a good time getting ready. Getting your day started doesn’t have to be daunting. You can do a few things the night before to make your morning smoother. If you have time and enjoy activities in the morning, then take a walk, exercise, or meditate. Physical activity helps increase blood flow and oxygen, allowing your body to respond better to stress. Also, practicing a meditation routine will help you feel calmer, at ease, and at peace.

Which tip is the most helpful for you? Share in the comments below!

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If you are experiencing suicidal or harmful thoughts to yourself or others, please call 911, you’re local health care provider, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (Talk). The toll-free confidential Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.