Woman asking for help. Retrieved JUne 14, 2016 from bing images.

In my last post, I shared a bit of my struggle with depression and anxiety. Read it here In this post, I will be sharing with you how I cope with in a healthy way, as well as sharing when and how to get help.

First off, you have to know your cycle. Your cycle is your sign and possibly red flag that may prevent your depression from going to a very dark place. Most people know what the typical warning signs are (not eating, less social, etc.), but in my experience, when the signs are noticeable to others it’s usually too late. So it’s very important that you pay attention to yourself if you are dealing with anxiety and depression.

For me, my cycles are always the same- I become withdrawn and unmotivated, I have trouble focusing on tasks more than usual. This leads me becoming anxious and fearing that my goals will never be met, leading to me not being able to sleep (sometimes for days). Lack of sleep usually puts me into a deep depression, before I have a complete breakdown. Scary, right? Thankfully, I have learned to prevent myself from repeating these cycles and have found alternative ways to work through them when I go “dark.”

Finding the Silver Lining (when you don’t want to):

Woman looking up. Retrieved June 14, 2016 from http://blog.pharmacymix.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/african_american_woman_looking_up.jpg

Exercise– You would be very surprised how much being active has helps.If you become withdrawn, go outside. Sometimes I just take a walk, other times I run like Usain Bolt.

Go Outside– I am fortunate to live in an area where there is much greenery and forests, so I have a secret place that I go to collect my thoughts and get fresh air. If you live in a more metro area, try looking for your secret spot at your local park. Or maybe sitting outside at a coffee shop with a book. The worst thing you can do while depressed is stay locked indoors

Keep Record– Get a journal. It’s like a free therapy session .  Write down your thoughts as though you’re talking to another person, then go back and read it later to see if you still feel the same way. Sometimes I do this, which leads me to my last point.

Get Help– Being depressed is nothing to be ashamed of, and sometimes we go through things that our friends and family cannot help us with. If you find yourself not being able to get past those dark thoughts, it may be time for you to seek professional help.

Please remember that through every storm, there is always promise of a rainbow. Do not let depression and anxiety control your life. If you feel like you may want to end your life, there is help available if you accept it. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is always available 24/7 and your calls can be anonymous. If you feel that you or someone close to you may commit suicide, please give them a call, at 1-800-273-8255.

Sending lots of love to you all.

“Tiara Letrice is a Staff Writer at #mygirlsquad. She enjoys hot cups of tea, modern ballet, and Quentin Tarantino

Written By Tiara Letrice, Staff Writer, #mygirlsquad