Depression: Tips for Managing the Feelings While Still Feeling.

"Dear Darkness, We Need to Talk..."

Let’s be honest, depression has a terrible sense of timing. It shows up uninvited, lounges on your couch in its emotional sweatpants, and refuses to leave even after you’ve subtly mentioned how busy you are. If depression were a house guest, it would definitely drink all your coffee and leave dishes in the sink.

But here’s the good news: Just like a house guest, it doesn’t have to stay forever. And while it’s hanging around, there are a few clever tricks to make it feel a little less at home.

Start Small: Ridiculously Small

When you’re feeling low, even brushing your teeth feels like you’re scaling Mount Everest without oxygen. So, let’s lower the bar. Think “I will put both feet on the floor today” or “I will wear pants, probably.” Small wins count, and they snowball over time.

Sunlight: Nature’s Antidepressant (and it’s Free!)

Even if you have to drag yourself onto the porch wrapped like a burrito in your favorite blanket, aim to get a little sunlight on your face. Ten minutes outside can remind your brain that the world is still turning, and that you’re part of it. Bonus points if you spot a squirrel doing something ridiculous.

Move Like Nobody’s Watching, Because They Aren’t

Forget structured workouts; just wiggle. Seriously. Put on that one song that makes your foot tap (even if it’s against your will) and let your body do its thing. Awkward dance parties in the kitchen have saved lives, I’m convinced.

Talk Back to the Inner Critic

That voice in your head telling you you’re not good enough? Imagine it as a tiny, very dramatic soap opera villain. Picture it wearing a ridiculous mustache and dramatically fainting every time you prove it wrong. Sometimes a little humor takes the sting out of those harsh self-judgments.

Seek Connection (Even if it’s Just Smiling at the Grocery Clerk)

You don’t have to spill your heart out to everyone, but tiny moments of connection help. Wave at your neighbor, pet a dog (with permission, dogs have boundaries too), or send a “thinking of you” text to someone you love.

If none of these tips fix everything overnight, that’s okay. Healing isn’t linear, and you don’t have to figure it all out today. But even the darkest nights eventually give way to morning, and you deserve to feel the sun again.

And if you’d like a compassionate hand to guide you through the tough stuff, I’m here. One gentle, hopeful conversation at a time.

Until then, keep the emotional sweatpants, but maybe also open a window.