Depression can be an awful thing to have to deal with. People who have never experienced TRUE depression can’t understand what it does to you. If you are suffering from depression, suicidal thoughts, or just feeling down here are two very important lists.
Things You MUST Do:
1. TELL SOMEONE. Anyone at all! You don’t have to suffer through this alone. Tell a parent, a friend, a teacher, a sibling, or even me! I’m available to talk to anyone at any time! It is important to let someone what you’re going through- it will release a lot of stress, and they can help you make sure that you don’t make any irrational decisions.
2. REALIZE- THERE IS NO REASON TO BE ASHAMED OR EMBARRASSED. What a lot of people don’t know is that depression is a mental disorder. Depression is most often caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain. There is no reason to be embarrassed or scared to ask for help. YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY.
3. SEE A PROFESSIONAL. Seeing a counselor/therapist and/or a psychiatrist is a very important step. A counselor/therapist can explain to you what is happening inside your brain and why you’re feeling the way you are. Also, you can talk through what you’re feeling and seek advice. Again, THERE IS NO REASON TO BE EMBARRASSED. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can analyze what is happening in your brain and treat it with the correct kinds/amount of medicine you may need! Taking pills for depression is extremely common and can help a lot! The pills will help you balance the chemicals in your brain so that you can get on your way to recovery.
4. REMEMBER- If ever you’re feeling suicidal it is important to remember this- “Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.” DO NOT MAKE ANY RASH DECISIONS. I know it feels horrible now, but things can change. If you don’t know who to go to or how to see a professional, just email me! We can talk it through.
Things You Should Try:
When you’re feeling down or depressed there are a few things you can try-
1. Talk to someone! This is always an important thing to do.
2. Email me, check out our website, etc.! There are also a million different websites that focus on depression and how to beat it, as well as thousands of inspiring youtube videos about other peoples challenges against and defeat of depression. (Check out http://www.facebook.com/defeatdepression and http://defeatdepression.tumblr.com/)
3. Remember- you aren’t alone! Reach out!
4. Do something positive! Listen to upbeat music, participate in a group/club/sport, or work on a project/hobby that makes you happy!
5. Go outside! Go for a walk! Get some fresh air! Darkness, stuffy rooms, and being alone will all make you more depressed.
6. Get some exercise! Exercise creates chemicals in your brain that get you thinking positive!
7. Smile! Whether or not you want to, smiling will perk you up a little 
8. Eat healthy! Junk food will only make you feeler sicker and more lazy- which can make you even more unhappy.
I hope this post helped you out at least a little! Keep checking back for more! And if you want to contact me, email me at shellialleman@gmail.com ! Thanks
