Depression grabs a hold of us all the time. When we least expect it, it happens to just show up and slap us right in the face. It can be difficult to get out of it once it begins and can often feel dreadful. I have found myself in this situation more times than I care to imagine. Fortunately for me, I use 4 simple ways to keep on top and win the battle against depression.

1. Prepare yourself daily

While it may be hard to want to get out of bed when you are feeling depressed, I have learned that this is the first step towards recovery. When you are feeling all alone and sad, you hardly want to open your eyes. You must combat this! It is hard but you will find that if you can just push yourself every day to get out of bed, take a shower, and do your make up or make yourself look nice, you will feel better immediately. You might not be going out on a date or doing anything, but you need to feel good about yourself. That is the first step that should be repeated daily.

2. Socialize

While the idea of socializing may sound painstakingly impossible while depression has a hold of you, it is another tactic that I use to defeat my sadness. This doesn’t have to be going outside of the house to socialize either, though that would have the best results. For me, having panic disorder, it helps to socialize via facebook or online messengers with my friends. Many of the times that I talk to others, I learn that my problems aren’t so bad. Other times they cause me to laugh and forget the entire reason I was sad.

3. Listen to upbeat music

When I say upbeat music, I mean upbeat music! The reason I don’t tell you to go out and listen to your favorite music is because it may cause you to become more depressed. For myself, I love all sorts of genres but when I find that I listen to one of my favorite bands, like Nirvana for example, I can feel much more depressed than before I turned on my music. Try avoiding sad sappy country songs as well. Lean more towards some silly songs or something that makes you feel inspirational. Even some rap songs have inspiration in them. It is up to you to find the song that helps you feel better!

4. Share something that you enjoy or are passionate about

For me, my passion is gaming. Perhaps my favorite past time is recording Let’s Play commentary videos. I love sharing the things I love to do with the world. When I find that others have seen these videos and it has brightened their day in some way, shape or form, I feel better. This also gives me something to focus my mind on rather than depression. Sometimes it will make me feel as if I have a purpose. It is up to you to find out what makes you happy.

While there are many reasons that people become depressed, there exists just as many ways to combat your depression. It may seem hard and hopeless at first when the clouds are just so thick and dark that no ounce of sunlight can show through. Always remember though, you are not alone and there are many things you can do on your own, without the help of medication, to start brightening your day.