Be proactive

Be proactive. Depression will attempt to rear it’s ugly head a few times a year. I’ve been told by my therapist and others that depression will attempt to strike again around the same time of year.

So, every September, I have to be proactive and not fall back into a depressive state. I usually have a small struggle around the beginning of summer as well. It has been three years since originally being diagnosed so I’m able to see patterns and know how to be proactive verses reactive.

Recognizing patterns and understanding how my mind and body are working is crucial for keeping my depression at bay. In order to be proactive, one has to be aware of what they are feeling.

Being mindful and recognizing how you feel is empowering. Several times a day I’ve learned to pause and become aware of the present moment. Being aware I’m anxious will help me adapt and conquer it. Knowing I’m anxious and recognizing it helps me deal with it and carry on instead of letting it paralyze me.

Create a contingency plan to follow if you fall back into depression. Evaluate your answers to the following questions: What changed? Why? How can I change it? What triggers or what risk factors are currently present? What are some ways to distract myself from the depressed feelings?

Keep your contingency plan posted where you can see it. Make sure others have access to it. For me, others notice subtle changes before I do. My contingency plan includes the following:

[if !supportLists]1. [endif]Get up and get moving (Exercise).

[if !supportLists]2. [endif]Call or visit a friend to get insight and encouragement.

[if !supportLists]3. [endif]Make sure I’ve been taking medications as prescribed.

[if !supportLists]4. [endif]Make a doctor appointment if symptoms progress over two weeks.

[if !supportLists]5. [endif]Make a counselor appointment in addition to the normally scheduled monthly visit.

[if !supportLists]6. [endif]Create additional quiet time to reflect and listen.

[if !supportLists]7. [endif]Spend more time praying and reading the Bible.

8. Journal! Journal! Journal!