Antidepressants are a tricky subject, they work for some, others they completely fail.
I was one of those that antidepressants didn’t work for. They made me feel numb, no emotion at all, and I was detached from the world.
I didn’t enjoy my life anymore on antidepressants compared to when I was full-blown depressed, so I did everything in my immediate control to better it in every way possible.
1. I found a hobby I truly enjoy by myself
It took me a while, but I found that I enjoy music and creating art. My art ranges from paintings to sewing and knitting to photography. I’ve also since learned how to play five instruments! I can get lost in any of these and they are all mentally stimulating so I don’t find myself lost in a negative hole.
2. I found forms of exercise that empower me
Rock climbing: I swear by this sport because not only was I terrified of heights, but trusting people gives me anxiety. This sport puts those right in front of my face every day, and I actually find facing my fears to be relaxing… almost meditating.
Buti Yoga: This empowers me and makes me feel super strong, and sexy at the same time. There is nothing wrong with being confident in your sexuality, in fact, I’ve never been happier with myself and it is thanks to a combination of these two sports.
3. I regulated my sleep schedule
I started forcing myself to go to bed around 8 P.M., and have my lights out by 9 P.M. I’ve made sure all lights and electronics are nowhere near me and started reading before bed instead of falling asleep to a TV show.
I also started taking Tryptophan supplements that I would highly recommend people look into. It was a night and day change in how well I slept AND how happy I was the next day.
4. I #OptOutside every chance I get
I didn’t realize it, but when REI started this campaign, they were for sure onto something for the better of society; NOT just advertising. They’ve also started an amazing campaign to encourage women to get in the outdoors which has greatly helped me feel more appreciated in a male-dominated industry.
Turns out, Ecotherapy is a real thing, and it is proven that being outside in nature can help with not only physical health but mental health as well. That is why I am outdoors 99% of the time I’m not at work or school.
5. I detached myself from social media
This has been hard, seeing as I write for a publishing platform that gets their views from social media traffic.
I still stick to my guns though and rarely get on social media unless I’m sharing work I’ve finished, one of my adventures, or reminding people that mental health is important and your life is worth living!
It also helps to #OptOutside often in areas with no phone service if you find you're having issues staying off of it!
6. I’ve learned to forgive and forget
I’ve learned that the more negativity I harness from what terrible things people have done to me, the more depressed I got. I’ve internally forgiven my rapist, those who have sexually assaulted me, and those who bullied me.
It was not easy and took over 7 years to do, but it can be done once you learn that if they continue a path of destruction like that, they will dig their own grave in time.
Don't get me wrong, depression still creeps up on me at times; usually when I'm extremely stressed. During those times I especially push myself to be even more physically active. There is no fool-proof way of getting rid of depression; it will always be a battle, and trial and error.
My battle was made easier by doing these things, and I hope yours can be too!
Good luck on your own journey to better mental health!
