Hey! 

I’m here to be a reminder that you are not alone in your struggle. You can overcome depression and start living the life you deserve. All that you feel right now is valid, all your feelings are justified… And if you’re struggling, I’m telling you it’s not your fault! And it will never define who you are!

It may make you feel down, irritable, or worthless…, but try not to let it consume  your life. You can still enjoy things you used to love doing and embrace meaningful relationships. 

Coping skills are imperative  when it comes to managing depression. These skills help you to take control of your symptoms and take back being the boss of your life.

Try out various coping strategies and see what works best for you. It may take some trial and error, but it's worth it  to find what helps you manage your depression and get back to feeling like you again! 

What works for one person may not work for another. So, don't give up and keep at it-  You deserve to feel your best. And with the right coping strategies, you can get there. Keep going. 

The Mental Gang is here to support you and help you find strategies you can practice to ease your feelings, manage your depression, and get back to you! Let's do this together!

Acknowledge that you're feeling down and give yourself permission to feel your emotions

Hey, it's okay to not be okay. We all have off days and that's completely normal. You're allowed to feel whatever emotions come with those days and it doesn't make you weak or less of a person. In fact, it makes you stronger for being able to cope with whatever it is that's got you down. 

You're not alone in this. Many people understand what you're going through and there are plenty of support groups and therapists available to talk to. Don't be afraid to express how you're feeling and seek help when you need it. It's an important part of the healing process. Coping skills take time and practice, but they will get easier with time. Be patient with yourself and remember it's okay to feel your emotions. You can get through this.

Identify your sources of stress and brainstorm ways to deal with it

Stress is a normal part of life. Still, it's important to manage it so it doesn't interfere with our daily activities. 

Feeling stressed at work? Take a break during your lunch hour to clear your head. School causing stress? Talk to your teacher or counselor about your concerns. Financial stress? Create a budget, make a plan, to get back on track.

Remember, stress is only temporary and there are ways to deal with it. With a little effort, you can reduce the amount of stress in your life and live a happier, healthier, more peaceful life.

List down things that make you happy and do at least one daily

What makes you happy? 

Whether it's spending time with loved ones or finding pleasure in simple things like a walk in the park, it's important to do what makes you happy. Not only will it improve your mood, but studies show that happiness is linked to better mental & physical health and a longer lifespan.

Don't wait any longer! Make a list of things that bring you joy and try to do one of them every day. You'll be living a healthier and more enjoyable life as a result. You've got this!

Exercise regularly - even a short walk can help boost your mood

Feeling good during a run on a beautiful day is more than just skin deep. Exercise can have a positive impact on your mental health.

Regular exercise can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and even improve cognitive function. It doesn't have to be strenuous either! A short walk can boost your mood and improve your sense of well-being.

So the next time you're feeling down, remember that a little bit of movement can go a long way.  You can do it!

Spend time with loved ones or pets who make you feel good

When you're around people who make you happy and at peace, your body releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. 

Endorphins can also help alleviate pain, reduce stress levels, and improve sleep. In addition to the physical benefits, spending time with loved ones can also help to improve your emotional wellbeing. According to one study, social support is associated with a reduced risk of developing depression and anxiety. 

So if you're looking for ways to boost your mood and your health, spending time with loved ones is a great place to start.  

If you can't handle things on your own, ask for help.

Don't try to tough it out on your own if you're struggling to cope with a difficult situation. Seek professional help, there's no shame in it. A qualified therapist or counselor can make a big difference: no matter what challenge you face. You deserve the support. You don't have to face your challenges alone.

Remember, everyone goes through hard times. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Professional help can make a world of difference when you're ready to take that step. You don't have to go through this alone. There are people who care and can help you get back on track.

Conclusion

Feeling depressed is tough, it can be draining… but there are things out there that can help. Use the coping skills we've listed and reach out to us if youre looking for more support. Here at Mental Skincare, we want to help you get through your struggles, remind you who you are  and come out feeling stronger. 

Let us know your thoughts and suggestions for future blog posts. We're here to help in any way we can. You got this! Keep going!

XO, Erynne

Mental Skincare