7 Ways to Stay Productive Through Depression

    It’s one of those things that I can feel creeping up. Like the annoying fat kid who eagerly wants to be my friend. It ruins my productivity, drains my creative desires and kills my spirit. Depression isn’t something I alone face; even though it always feels like it. Millions of people face this unwelcomed relative in constantly recurring cycles. I know I sure as hell do.

    When it first crept up on me, I was in my teens and didn’t know what the hell was going on. In a single moment I became worthless and fell into a black nothingness that devoured the entire world. nihilistic thoughts pour through my mind. Nothing is new in the world. I haven’t done and won’t do jack shit to change it There’s no use for breathing. I’m just one of a billion programmed robots roaming in the same waste of space. On good days, I’ll get out of bed only for my responsibilities to others (family, work). Bad days include thoughts of giving it all up to the world through self-provided death.

    It has been a long time since the first cycle of depression found me. In that span, I have learned various strategies on how to help me through it. I am not a shrink nor do I even have an interest in the human brain. I am simply a man whom is trying to live a complete life while struggling with depression. These suggestions are not an extra strength bug repellant to depressive thoughts. They just help me cope and remain productive in these unwanted times.

1.  Share with someone Intimately close Everyone should look for  a close friend or significant other that he or she could talk about personal matter. If you suffer through times of depression, then I would say it is even more imortant. I had never told anyone about my condition until within the last year. I thought that people, including my wife, would think I need to be locked up in a loony bin. It wasn’t until a fight we had that I finally told her I am not her knight in shining armor. I let everything out. Since I told her, she has been very understanding and helpful throughout it all. Best of all is that she doesn’t think I belong in a loony bin or showers me with white stuffed animals.
2.  Stay with people and try to stay focused on the moment. When I get depressed, I usually think about dynamics that are beyond my control. The thoughts then send me deeper into a depressive state. I have found that if I hang around friends in a mellow setting then it keeps me thinking about whats going on at the moment. A couple of sarcastic comments towards good friends always brighten the heart.
3.  Avoid all instances of overhyped optimism and feel good inspirationals. This one is self-explanatory. I hate that stupid purple dinosaur anyway, but there’s nothing worse than a giant purple blob in your depressive black hole. This one is more for Barnie’s, televangelists’ and new age spiritualists’ safety then your own.
4.  Accept it as part of your creative cycle and allow the rest. Most people whom get depression are naturally creative. After a period of time of strong or frustrated creativity the brain needs to rest from it. Depression could be telling you to cool off for a week.
5.  Look for ways to help others through deep conversations. When in a depressed state, everyone elses emotional status becomes more apparent. It is a great time to find a friend or coworker and be real with them. I have had some of my best conversations during these times and helped many people go through some tough situations.
6.  Tell/ask God, "Screw You!", "Help Me!", "This Shit Sucks", "Whats the Point?", or anything else on your mind and seek guidance. I realize that this one might not apply to everyone for various personal beliefs, but its one thing I do every time I feel this way. Its important that I let God know that I feel like crap and I need an outside strength to help me faithfully continue.
7.  Remember that it will pass and look toward the future. One of the hardest things to do through a cycle is to look beyond the depression. Most days I am an optimistic and sandal wearing kind of guy, but not in those other times. After many - almost monthly for ten years - cycles, I have realized that it will end and I will at some point go back to my no worries florida lifestyle. It is not easy to stay hopeful, but I have no other choice. My dreams are bigger than the unwanted relative.

This list is not complete. I can think of a few more things that helps me in the troubling times of depression. It really just shows that I cannot handle it alone. I need my wife and other close friends. I need faith in something good beyond the black abyss. I need to see that I can change the world through a grieving friend’s smile. These seven ways that I have listed are things that have helped me through these times. I don’t know if they will help you, but I thought I’d share them just in case.

If you have a way that helps you that I have not listed or a personal story that you’ve experienced while struggling through the dark cycles. Then please share it with us in the comments.

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