What to Do When Simple Isn’t Easy

You see them all the time. Ten Simple Steps to Lose Weight. Three Simple Steps to Stop Smoking. Five Simple Steps to Riches Through Real Estate. If these things are so simple, why are people still overweight, smoking, and in debt? Simple is not always easy, especially when it comes to overcoming depression.

Simple means uncomplicated and not hard to understand. Easy means achieved without great difficulty. Steps for losing weight are simple, consume fewer calories than you burn. However, doing it is more difficult. Believe me, I’ve tried. It reminds me of a line from Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, “The concept is grasped. It’s just the execution that’s a little elusive.”

Changing Habits is Hard Work

Overcoming depression is similar. The concept is simple to grasp. The execution, on the other hand, is often more difficult and elusive. Changing habits takes time and effort. So if you are suffering from depression, follow these seven simple, but not always easy, steps to start feeling better today. Because feeling better is worth the work.

Call the Doctor. Start with your primary care physician. Ask to have routine blood tests done prior to your appointment so you can discuss results at your visit. Then, prepare these things to discuss at your appointment:

• Symptoms and how long you’ve been experiencing them
• Circumstances which might be causing additional stress or depression
• Family history of depression
• Medications or supplements you take regularly
• Questions you have

Call a Friend. Find someone you trust, explain how you feel, and ask for support as you work on getting better. You don’t need them to fix you, just someone to listen. However, a shoulder to cry on and a hug now and then can help. Commit to meeting regularly, in person if possible. If not, use Skype or FaceTime rather than text or email.

Eat Smart. Avoid things like caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. I know, all the good stuff. But, these foods tend to adversely affect your emotions. Instead choose healthy fruits, veggies, proteins, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Because these foods have mood-enhancing effects. Think fish is the only source of Omega-3’s? Find five non-fish options here. In addition, you can find healthy recipes to fight depression here.

Get Up and Move.  First of all, get out of bed, cleaned up, and dressed daily. That’s honestly the hardest part. After that, take a walk, go to the mall, a museum, or the zoo. It doesn’t have to be an exercise class, just move.

Get Busy. Reconnect with things you used to enjoy, like a hobby. Don’t have one? Try something new. Research opportunities focused on things you enjoy. Take an art or photography class. Learn to cook or garden. Maybe a book club or quilting group. Just get out with people who share your interests.

Stay Positive. Each time you catch yourself having negative thoughts, count your blessings. Basically, anything you have that someone else doesn’t is a blessing. Write them on slips of colorful, fun paper and place them in a Blessings Box. Feeling down? Empty the box and think what life would be like without those blessings. You can’t help but feel better.

Keep the Faith. Spend time daily practicing your faith and keep a journal. Record the struggles of others to put your life in perspective. For instance, you may not live in a mansion, but you don’t live in a tent in the woods either. Also, set aside time daily to meditate on scripture or a devotional.

Make Changing Habits Easier

Overcoming depression is simple, but it’s not easy. Pick one of the areas above, and start there. Use the PIRA process to plan for change. Record your progress daily until you master it. Then move on to master the others.

Need help implementing these self-care strategies in your own life? Check out my Joy Journal. It’s a combination planner/journal to help support attempts to manage your emotions and make positive habit changes.

Which of these steps is going to be the most difficult for you?