If you're someone who suffers from occasional or frequent bouts of depression or anxiety, it can often feel like happiness is out of your reach. Blogger Carol Kivler has several suggestions for how to pull yourself out of the rut anxiety and depression hold you in and get back to feeling hopeful and happy. First and foremost, she encourages the "3 C's" for long-term recovery: "confidence that recovery is possible; compliance with medication and therapy; and commitment to lifestyle changes" (Kivler).
In addition to these three C's, there are numerous other methods to regain happiness and shed the dark cloak that has been thrown over you. Firstly, it is often common for those suffering from anxiety or depression to feel ashamed. There is an unfair negative stigma attached to mental illness, which can be dragging you further down emotionally. To combat these feelings, consider joining a support group, whether it is in person or online, or reach out to others who have been through what you have. Having support from someone who understands your problems and won't judge you can be a big help and shame-evaporator. Another way to combat the blues is by trying your best to focus on the positive, even if it's difficult. Start with the small stuff. Focus on a day of good weather, or any other "endless small miracles that happen every day" (Kivler). Being grateful and happy for these small occurrences can have a big payoff. Something else you should focus on as well is hope. Remember that what you are experiencing will pass; it is just a symptom of your depression or anxiety. Think about things that usually bring you joy or pleasure, and remind yourself that you can feel happy, and you will again. When stressful or sad feelings consume you, it is hard not to constantly think of and ruminate about them. One way of combating this is taking the focus off of you and your mind, and shifting it over to someone else. Try various acts of generosity--"leaving a tip for someone who didn't expect it, or holding the door open for someone behind you" (Kivler). These acts will take your mind off your current mental state and help you to think of other things.
One very important thing to keep in mind when battling these feelings is that they are a part of your life, and you cannot change that. Everyone has something difficult in their life to cope with, and "this is your something." Acceptance is a powerful thing. It can help you to make peace with whatever you're going through and move forward into trying to take steps to help yourself.
Source: Esperanza, Carol A. Kivler
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