Staying mindful with Depression

I've been experiencing a complete mix of good and bad days recently; some where I feel so motivated but ill and others where I am completely overwhelmed by a desperate urge to sleep
 and have no energy for anything. These are days I feel so empty and disconnected from the world, I will do anything to hide from it. My article contains a few things that help for me and I wanted to approach it in a completely vague way as there are so many levels and kinds of depression, from feeling physically terrible, sleepy, low in mood, feeling bizarre, to feeling completely detached from life. There are countless ways it can manifest but when life starts to feel uncomfortable - whether it is brought on by events or has completely arisen on its own, whether it's something you've always had - I hope my article might help a little bit. 

. Understand the difference between physical sensations, thoughts and emotions. There can be so many different physical sensations that go along with depression and anxiety, from a deep gnawing in the pit of your stomach, just needing to sleep, weighed down or just very ill. Often we attach meaning to these symptoms which can add even more emphasis to them, from thoughts like "When will I feel better?" or even "I don't deserve to feel better". By stripping your physical symptoms of their meaning, they quickly become less important.

. Observe your thoughts and feelings and how they make you feel. Take a moment to notice your thoughts from a clear perspective, do not judge them in any way when they arise. Think of your thoughts or feelings like clouds, coming and leaving; they won't stay for long. Observe each one as it comes and goes and look at how you might normally respond to them and give them meaning. Are they really helpful to you - how do they make you feel?

. Stop fighting it. Let it come. Whatever terrible things you feel, let them in. It's completely fine to feel that way. Embrace the windiest, rainiest day, because it's there. The way you might feel is not something to get rid of, it's part of you and completely normal and natural. Give your feelings the warmest welcome, let them stay a while, treat them compassionately, like a wounded bird. Change comes with commotion, let it coexist with who you are. It's okay.

. There is good in everything. Even if the last thing you feel is good, try turning the situation on its head, as difficult as it may seem! I'm so grateful for learning techniques to combat my anxiety because they are so useful to apply to all areas of my life. I'm grateful in a way for the bad, ill days because they make days where I actually feel normal amazing! It's total bliss to me, the idea of feeling 'normal'. My struggles means I can connect and sympathise with people on another level I have never attained before.

. Live simply, be kind. Leave that instagram page alone and keep connecting with strangers in real life. Contributing and spreading kindness is the most constructive thing you can ever do and the most satisfying in fulfilling your human purpose. We have our careers we try to perfect, not to mention our social media profiles, but happiness doesn't require that fame, all those followers or expensive things. Happiness can be found in the smallest of places and definitely without all of those things - I'm sure they got on pretty well in Disney princess times, definitely minus the villains! If you need to rest, or work from home that's okay. Just paying someone a compliment, saying thank you, constructing a little prayer in your head to wish everyone well will help connect you back to your happy roots. It may not be the end all cure, but just making it your mission will give you a kind of purpose you never imagined you'd have.


Do you feel bad sometimes? What are your feel-better strategies? This is actually a little survey I'm doing as part of my course of CBT so I thought I would ask you guys! Lots of love!

*the nature of this post will never replace proper therapies such as CBT and medication in order to treat any kind of depression or M.E/CFS. I understand how terrible the nature of it can be. I hope my article might help just a little bit alongside these therapies and please understand you are never alone in this! Feel free to drop me an email at icecreamclarablog@gmail.com