As I have been blessed with one of the best therapists I would like to share some of her advise that has helped me a lot. (I have been diagnosed with a major depression 7 months ago btw)
1. Be real with your therapist.
- It's no fun to say that you have done nothing but lay in bed this week, but if you don't tell your therapist how things really are they won't be able to give you the help you really need.
2. Celebrate small achievements.
- Took a shower today? Made your bed? Did laundry? Took out the trash? You rock. Treat yourself!
3. You don’t owe irrelevant people an explanation.
- Met a person you've never talked to but who want an explanation on why you haven't been to school/work/etc recently? You don't have to tell them anything if you don't want to. Your health is a private matter and you should only share it with people who you feel comfortable with or who needs it for practical reasons. If you frequently run into people you're afraid might ask to much make a default sentence to give these people so you will know what to say when/if they ask.
4. Kill negative thoughts with logical thinking.
- This is really tough and takes some practice, but will be so worth it in the long run.
Negative thought: I don't want to start conversations with friends, because they will just find me annoying.
Logical thought: My friends value my opinions and like me as a person, which is why we are friends in the first place. They will tell me if I'm being annoying.
5. Don’t feel bad for not recovering as fast as you thought you would.
- Everything takes time, and small improvements are still improvements.
oh and you’re allowed to throw people who try to convince you that yoga and broccoli can cure your depression off a cliff.
