Music

A few weeks ago, everyone in my Writing in Psychology class did individual presentations on the papers they had been writing all semester. One girl did hers on the effect music has on mood. She said that research has shown, contrary to popular belief, that listening to sad music when you're feeling down does not make you feel better. It actually prolongs and intensifies the feelings of sadness. If this applies to people who are just going through a breakup or something, it definitely applies to the clinically depressed. I'll admit that I listened to a lot of depressing music when I was in dealing with the worst of my own depression. It was probably a contributing factor to why it lasted so long. Cheesy as it may be, I've found that listening to Disney music or musicals has been a lot more helpful for mood boosting. Those types of music are generally more upbeat. I know how it's easier to identify with sad music when you're depressed, but give happy music a try. It might help.

Always Keep Fighting

Today sucked. I mean it really, really sucked. Absolutely nothing went right. A few years ago, this would have made me suicidal. But now? Now I'm drained but still looking forward to tomorrow. That in and of itself is kind of a miracle. I want you guys to know that no matter what, it can get better. I've been talking a lot about positive affirmations and making yourself believe things lately. Seriously guys, it works. I've been working on that for a really long time and granted, it has been slow going, but it works. It really works. What would have completely derailed me and caused me to sink into the depths of depression not too long ago now is just a minor setback. Just a bad day, not a bad life. This kind of change is possible, but you have to keep working at it no matter what. I know how easy it is to give up, believe me. I've given up and started over too many times to count in the past few months alone. But somehow I always managed to keep going. Jared Padalecki, an actor from a show I really like, is involved in this wonderful campaign right now called Always Keep Fighting that is hand in hand with my favorite non-profit, To Write Love On Her Arms. I really like the way it's described in this article. Mental illness is definitely a battle, but it's one worth fighting, because it really can get better. If you keep trying every day, over time you'll be able to realize the progress you've made, even if you can't see it in the moment.

Right Around the Corner

Something I do when I want to give up (which is unfortunately quite often) is tell myself that something good is right around the corner. The thing is, when I really believe that, I am able to better recognize the good things that do happen. Here's an example. If I am really depressed and drowning in the hopelessness then somebody does something nice for me like bring me gluten free cookies I might smile for a couple minutes but then once the cookies are gone I'm back to feeling completely dejected and drained of all hope. But if I'm depressed and have myself convinced that something good is right around the corner, I would acknowledge the cookies as something good happening to me, proving myself right. Then it can go on to bigger things the next day and the day after that and so on. If you are expecting good things to happen, you will better be able to recognize them when they do. And don't get me wrong, I am NOT an optimist by nature. Quite the opposite, actually. But psuedo-optimism can actually get you pretty far. Just give it a try, see how it works out. Like I said about daily affirmations though, you really have to be convinced or it won't work. Good luck, guys. Hope you're handling things well wherever you are and whatever you're dealing with. Hang in there.