Finding Hope in Depression

Hope

Hope is the most important thing. Believe me you must hope that you can and will be better and know that you will. Depression is a collapse of hope and your core life beliefs you need to rebuild them around you.

Here are a few ideas to subconsciously increase you hope everyday.

1. Visual stimulation— what can I look at that makes me happy. Is it a face of your friends ? A cute bunny ? A bright colour ? Plant or flower? Toy?? Something relevant to you and meaningful. This item or image should have no sad memories attached only happy things. Fill your house or make a small shrine area with these things in it . When you have a bad day you can go sit there or when you wake up in the morning and see it you will feel better and able to get up . Literally if you need to decorate your house with poster do it . Make sure as much of you visual stimuli throughout the day is happy. You may need to tidy up to help you do this — ask a friend to come round and help if it is too much . Go on ring that fiend now they would love to spend time with you and most likely miss you very much.
Don't worry if you feel unable to do a big task take small steps instead get that small happy thing and put it somewhere visible xxx

2. Sound stimulation— music happpy music — this is proven to send happy ness to your brain put it on. Invest in some sound blocking earphones mine are 12.99 from punky fish. They work well at just blocking those annoying sounds that upset you.

You can then use the music to change your mood.
Of course podcasts and other things are also useful. I use study music to destress sometimes. Or calming rainforest signs. One of my friends or really into mindfulness you could listen to that sort of podcast or something.
You know yourself best.x

3. Comfort feeling — where are you sleeping? Is it comfortable ? Can you make it better and more comfortable. What about your clothes are they too tight. Do they make you feel confident. Are they soft on your skin.?
Do you feel comfortable in the chair you have to work in ?? Do you feel comfortable on that walk to work ? Wherever you are in your life is there a way to make you feel better and more comfortable.
Small actions here.

Also is there a place I feel nervous throughout the day in particular? Can I create a distraction— see the chapter on panic attack's ..

4. What are you tasteing? Not just on the health level but sometime s you should have a nice taste to enjoy - save treats if you need to- think of heathy treats you enjoy. Is there a taste you can have in your mouth like peppermint to stop you snacking but also keep your brain stimulated and happy. Gum or oils are great xx food is not just for eating it is important mental stimulation which you need throughout the day.

5. Smelling !! Yes that right. Bad smell can
Are you feel down get some febreeze open those windows take a shower or use deodorant spray perfume or a calming smell . Lavender or something like it there are lots of calming aromatherapy oils you can get. Good smells can cheer you up and motivate you. Look up what smells are best for each o n the internet.