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In all honesty, there are probably a number of things you’re doing that make your depression worse.
In my many, many years of battling depression, I’ve picked up a lot of unhealthy coping mechanisms.
At the time, I thought they were helping me.
But now that I’m into my recovery, I realize that some of my “coping” mechanisms were actually causing my depression symptoms to get worse.
They kept me feeling down longer, because negative feeds negative.
Here are 10 things you should stop doing if you want to lessen your depression:
But first, have you downloading your free depression checklist yet? ↓
Stop Doing These 10 Things to Help Your Depression
1. WATCHING CRIME DOCUMENTARIES
Ever since I was about 13, one of my favorite things to do is curl up under a blanket and watch crime documentaries.
I become so engrossed in the cases, and I just want to find out the truth.
But the more I watch them, the more I notice my mood shifts. It’s not immediate, but there’s unquestionably a negative shift.
When I think about it, it makes so much sense.
True crime documentaries have everything to do with murder and assault and nothing to do with self-love.
And they make us vibe on a lower vibration.
2. LISTENING TO SAD MUSIC
Listening to sad music might feel like a way to cope. It might make you feel like you’re not alone.
However, listening to sad songs drains your spirit even further.
They aren’t positive, and they don’t give you a sense of hope for the future. The lyrics focus on emotional pain and turmoil.
If you use music as a way to cope, try these 8 Songs to Listen to When You’re Fighting Depression instead.
3. STAYING IN BED
I know what you might be thinking.
You want to stay in bed. You have no energy to even get out of bed, and staying in bed helps you feel better.
I wish it did, but it doesn’t.
When you stay in bed all day and night, you become a zombie.
Your energy decreases. Your body starts to hurt and becomes harder to move.
If you’re having one of those days where you absolutely can’t get out of bed, try stretching a little bit.
I know this helps me to get my body moving and the circulation back through my limbs.
4. EATING JUNK FOOD
Gut health has a big impact on serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that contributes to wellbeing and happiness.
It’s estimated that 90 percent of the body’s serotonin is made in the digestive tract.
That’s why it’s so important to get your nutrients in.
When I eat more junk food than usual, I notice my energy levels decrease.
I feel sluggish and bloated. I definitely don’t feel motivated about anything.
Try drinking green juice or have a fruit smoothie with some spinach and kale snuck in.
You won’t taste the vegetables, and they’re one of the easiest ways to get your nutrients from your food.
5. DRINKING ALCOHOL
So many people use alcohol as a way to cope. Alcohol itself is a depressant.
That means, when you drink alcohol, you’re going to feel even worse.
More negative. More depressed.
If you want something to drink, try kombucha.
It’s a fizzy drink filled with so many benefits for your body, like probiotics.
If you want something more soothing, try chamomile or peppermint tea.
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6. LOOKING AT CELEBRITY GOSSIP
People say that gossip magazines are their guilty pleasure.
I say there’s a much deeper issue here.
I wholeheartedly believe that gossip magazines promote an unhealthy image of beauty.
No matter what gossip magazine I’ve read before, there were always comments about someone’s weight.
Let’s not forget that the majority of the stories of celebrity gossip don’t even hold an ounce of truth.
They pin women against women and give really bad relationship advice.
Oh, and they’re a big waste of money.
Related post:
7. NOT GOING OUTSIDE
I believe nature heals. I truly, truly believe that.
But it’s not always possible to get outside, and I know you might not even have the motivation to do so.
That’s why I highly recommend investing in a therapy light. I use this therapy lamp.
Light therapy has been proven to decrease symptoms of winter blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder.
They also improve mood, focus, and sleep patterns.
Within the first week, I saw an increase in my energy levels and mood.
8. WATCHING THE NEWS
The news is very biased. It hardly ever focuses on the good in the world.
We’ll see stories of fires, car accidents, and murders, among other crimes.
With all these negatives news stories, we’re bound to believe that the world is filled with only evil.
Only bad people with bad morals and agendas. No good in the world.
So every time you watch the news, you are essentially feeding your mind these negative thoughts.
You may feel like this negative, evil world is your reality. But the fact of the matter is the news shows only a very small fraction of real life.
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9. READING THE COMMENTS SECTION
People think they can hide behind their computer screens.
The comment section is often vile. It’s filled with bullying and criticism and hatred.
You’ll instantly feel your mood drop when you scroll through the comments.
You’ll feel even more hopeless and negative.
Trust me when I say this…Just don’t read the comments section.
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10. ISOLATING YOURSELF
It’s so tempting to isolate yourself.
The thought of using your energy to be around other people might make you feel even more miserable.
You might be faking happiness around other people, and I know how exhausting that can be.
But isolation furthers the feelings of loneliness.
Isolation fuels your depression and makes you feel like nobody cares.
Please remember that depression is lying to you.
You are important, and you are loved.
Things That Make Depression Worse
Truthfully, there are things you’re doing that are probably making your depression worse.
For me, I try to limit or completely avoid the 10 items on the list above.
When I do, I notice my mood is much better and my depression is much easier to manage.
Did you know there’s online therapy?
Online Therapy is a complete online therapy toolbox.
Your therapy toolbox includes:
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- Live video, voice, or text chat session with your therapist
- 8 easy-to-follow sections, including 25 worksheets
- Activity plan, journal, and tests
- Yoga and meditation videos
What I love about Online Therapy is that there are several life-changing options and therapists available, and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home.
This means you never need to worry before getting help.
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Related posts:
- 7 Super Effective Strategies to Help Fight Nighttime Depression
- 4 Crucial Ways to Practice Self-Love Through Depression
- 6 Things I Accomplish Every Day Despite My Depression
- 5 Reasons Why Disney Movies Help Fight My Depression
- 6 Helpful Ways to be Productive When You Have Depression
Hi, you are so awesome I love your blog. I was looking for a good blog to read and yours popped up, yay!. I too suffer from depression and some days it is hard to get basic things done, but I push myself and take it one step at a time. For the days when I just can’t do it I don’t beat myself up, I just pick up where I left off the next day. Also you are so right about watching crime shows and listening to sad songs, they do make you feel sadder. You have found yourself a new follower, thank you for your post.
Thank you so much Deborah! 🙂