12 Helpful Tips For Being A Functional Human With Depression | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

12 Helpful Tips For Being A Functional Human With Depression

You got this!

1866
12 Helpful Tips For Being A Functional Human With Depression
Pinterest

�Hi there! As a human creature who was diagnosed with clinical depression at a young age, I can say from experience that it's pretty difficult to be productive or find the motivation to do anything (even if it's vaguely interesting). As an adult that needs to be productive in order to survive in this world, you can do these little things everyday to keep yourself from drowning in the armpit of despair. I realize that depression is different for every person who experiences it, and can't be grossly simplified to: "Hey, this random list from the internet will fix it!", but here you go.

1) MAKE A LIST!

Writing out your goals, and being able to visually conceptualize them can make them easier and less daunting to accomplish. Crossing off completed tasks also feels really satisfying.

2) ... Even if It's for Little Tasks Like Making Your Bed or Brushing Your Teeth.

Writing things like this down will help you remember that taking care of yourself is also an important priority.

3) Write Important Tasks and Appointments Out on a Calendar

I mean a really big calendar on the wall (that you can't miss if you tried). This will show you exactly what you need to do for the upcoming days so you aren't overwhelmed to the point where you panic and shut down.

4) Set a Sleep Schedule

Sleep makes you less anxious and more likely to function the next day.

5) Remember to EAT!

Food keeps you alive. It's just something you need to fit into your schedule.

6) What To Do With the Extra Energy

Being sedentary can actually worsen depression symptoms. So, exercise! Along with making you exhausted enough to actually sleep, being active also releases endorphins (happy hormones that can help uplift your mood).

7) Feeling Clean Helps

Think of your body as a building. If it feels nice to live in, it will motivate you to keep it feeling nice to live in.

8) Also, Keep Your Living Space Clean

Now, apply that same concept to an actual building. This will make it easier to focus, without getting easily overwhelmed. if you live with other people, it will also show that you care about their well-being too.

9) Being Warm

Taking a warm shower or snuggling under a blanket has the same biological affect as cuddling with another human being, and releases a fun hormone called oxytocin, which can make you feel safe and sleepy.

10) Reach Out to the Other Human Creatures in Your Life

�

Nothing gives life a little zest like human interaction.

11) Structure Is Cool

Do activities that require you to adhere to deadlines, so there is always something you have to do (i.e. writing a blog, or a web-comic, or homework, etc...).

12) Appreciate What You Have Accomplished... Even If It's Just Getting Out of Bed.

Don't beat yourself up.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

196
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

76
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

198812
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20036
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments