Low self-esteem is one of the most common outcomes of depression. Depression is a condition that impacts the emotional, mental, and physical well being of an individual. It varies in its intensity from being mild, moderate or severe. Self esteem plays an important role as a person recovers from depression. It can make or break a person.

Photo by Demeter Attila, CC0 1.0

1. Accept That It Is a Medical Condition and Not Your Fault

Most people affected with depression end up being cynical about their own selves. Understanding the fact that it is a medical condition that can happen to anybody can be very liberating. While guilt will way you down, the right kind of understanding will quicken the healing process.

2. Self-Care

Taking care of one’s own self becomes least important when depression strikes you. The feeling of hopeless that the condition evokes in an individual can drain the interest of a person in his or her everyday mundane life. This includes lack of interest in taking care of your own self.

One aspect of fighting depression is fighting the sense of worthlessness. Hence it is imperative for a person overcoming depression to take good care of oneself. Eat healthy food, take time to groom yourself and make yourself feel good.

3. The Power of Senses

Depression often numbs your senses. The sense of smell, touch, taste, sight and hearing are affected during these trying times. One do-it-yourself remedy is to do things that soothe your senses. Turn on music that will enliven your spirit. Aromatherapy oils could be handy. Bergamot, lavender, roman chamomile and ylang ylang are known for their anti depressant properties. They can be used in a relaxing bath. Sometimes even the smell of your favorite food can lift your spirits. Keep comfort food handy. 

4. Follow Your Passion

Do things that give you happiness. Something that you have always wanted to do but never got to do. If you are a go getter, even challenging yourself with something adventurous can make you stronger and build your confidence.

5. Talk Positive

A part of overcoming depression is overcoming hopelessness. Hope is what keeps the human life going. So, every time you feel hopeless keep reminding yourself that hope is a reality. It is there and that’s what keeps the world going. The very fact that you are fighting back depression and that you trying hard to bounce back to normal life shows you are a strong enough to get there. You are a winner.  Compliment yourself for your victories and move on to being a better you.

6. Surround Yourself with Positive People

Depression is not something everyone understands. Very few people understand the real facets of depression and empathise with those dealing with it. You can avoid a lot of disappointment when you accept that not everybody understands. It makes life easier. On the other hand, surround yourself whenever possible with people with a positive outlook. Be around those that genuinely care, offer practical advice, offer you help when required and celebrate your success.

7. Set Goals

The symptoms of depression are physical as well as psychological. While medications can take care of the physical symptoms to a large extent, it’s the individual’s resolve boosts his or her morale. So, setting goals with time frames can be a good idea, especially if you are looking at improving certain areas that lackluster.

8. Laud Yourself

This is one condition that requires a lot of grit and tenacity from the side of the person going through it. Constantly keep commending yourself for where you are now. You might have a long way to go but be grateful that you have come a long way from where you started.

9. Help Someone Else in Need

This is a sure stress buster. When you help someone going through the same condition that you do or may be even some other traumatic experience, you get stronger. There is nothing happy than making someone happy.

10. Learn Something New

The human brain has this amazing capacity to restructure every time it learns something new. Learning something new can stimulate the brain cells to reorganize themselves. The neuroplastic nature of the brain enables individuals to overcome depression through conscious mindful practices and therapies.

The ebb and flow of depression can only be understood by those going through it. However, the fact that an individual decides to overcome this phenomenon is a winning sign in itself.  Dark as it may seem the light at the end of the tunnel is real. All it requires is self resolve, tenacity and a good proportion of self worth.