High functioning depression is one of the most severe mental disparities within the scope of mental health as we know it. Ever since the start of the pandemic, life as we knew has forever changed, and in many cases, will most likely never be the same again. As we begin to adapt to a new normal and try to regain the confidence we need to continue moving forward on our individual journeys. It’s crucial that we begin to sit down and identify a few ways high functioning depression may be affecting your life, and ways you can begin to take your power back from its many negative effects.
It affects your ability to get out of bed every day
High functioning depression can really impair your ability to get up out of the bed every morning. And can make it nearly impossible to see the point in putting yourself together. When it comes to dealing with the extremities of depression, one of the best things you can do for yourself is by choosing to actively get up in the morning, even if it’s only for 20 min. By choosing to get up and get dressed you’re one step closer to changing your entire life.
It isolates you from the things you love the most
High functioning depression really inhibits your ability to connect with the things you love most in life, and can most definitely impact the way you view yourself in the world around you. It’s okay to not have all of the answers, and it’s okay to be where you are currently, just know that by choosing to continue one day, and one step at a time, you’ve already won.
It inhibits you from seeing a bright future
When dealing with high functioning depression, it can be hard to see all of the wonderful things God has in store for you, though it’s important to realize that storms are only temporary, and life is ever-changing- Continue to move forward in knowing that your depression is not the end all be all, and it’s certainly not the destination.
It paralyzes your mind and your thoughts begin to suffer
High functioning depression can really impair your ability to see past the current moment at hand, and no one talks about the amount of work it takes to get yourself out of the dark place mentally. Getting yourself out of the storm is possible, and it’s important not to let your mind take you to those dark places, as they can keep you feeling stuck and stagnant.
It creates a false reality that isn’t real
High functioning depression can really make us believe in things that are not real, and in many cases, it really can inhibit our ability to make conscious efforts with positive daily action. Some of these actions would include remembering to eat every day, drinking more water, and to even check in with ourselves, which is not an easy thing to do. Meditation can really help to combat the false realities we’ve created, and can help us live a better life as a result.
Talk to a professional therapist
Talking to a professional is one of the best ways we can take our power back from society and can help us move forward in positive ways. When we talk about our thoughts, emotions, and our feelings surrounding life and all that’s going on, we can therefore make active steps to change our habits, and our lives.
Stay close to people you know and truly trust
Closeness is one of the best ways we begin to keep in connection with the people we love and can help us to tackle the negativity we may be experiencing on a day-to-day basis with high functioning society.
Catch the sun and get fresh air at least once a day
According to Healthline, “Without enough sun exposure, your serotonin levels can dip. Low levels of serotonin are associated with a higher risk of major depression with seasonal pattern (formerly known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD). Getting enough sunlight at least once a day can help to significantly decrease depression and anxiety in major ways, and is said to also help boost our mood levels in healthy ways.
Keep a journal and write down your feelings
Keeping a journal is a great way to talk about your feelings without being judged or criticized. Journaling can help you actively move forward by giving you the opportunity to really sit down and analyze any negative thoughts or behaviors that may be preventing you from moving forward.
Listen to positive affirmations once or twice a day
Positive affirmations are a great way to combat negative thought patterns and can help us to not only stay positive but optimistic about how our lives will unfold. You have so much potential, and the rest of the world is out there for you to move on and move forward.