How do I pull myself out of depression?

Pulling yourself out of depression is a very difficult thing to do because it often feels like you are in a hollow place. If you are committed to doing this, the first thing you have to realize is that nobody is going to save you from yourself. You have to let go of that expectation. People in your life can help but you are the only one who can truly pull yourself out.

Here are a couple different suggestions that may help. Whichever method(s) you may choose, please make sure to stay hydrated. Drinking water makes a big difference because the movement of water helps clear out negative energy from your body. I recommend having coconut water when possible, as it provides a quick form of hydration.

Fake it till you make it.
Did you know that it only takes 21 days of consistency to create a new habit? You can try to fake that you are in a good place, and it can work, but for many people putting on a brave face and smiling, while depressed, is challenging. Many who suffer from depression try to fake it as a way to alleviate concerns for others. Don’t do it for the benefit of others, instead see it as an attempt to spark joy.

Find the joy in the little things.
Depression often originates from past issues. The key here is to live in the present. If you see an interesting flower, stop and smell it. If you are eating food, slow down and savor it. This type of behavior can change your mindset into one that is focused on the present.

Exercise.
Exercising brings on a more active energy which takes away the stagnancy that comes with depression. Stagnancy makes you tired. By pushing yourself to exercise, you can spike up your amount of adrenaline and feel invigorated all day.

Entertain your mind.
Find things that can entertain your mind which will prevent it from wandering. Look for engaging activities like reading or even a new TV show. If you are in a place where no show is engaging, perhaps you can find one where you are fascinated by the background such as the time period, fashion, cars, music, etc… The key here is to distract yourself with something that can hold your attention. The less focus you give to your depression, the weaker it’s grip will become.

Start doing a consistent activity.
Try to engage in a daily activity that gets you out of your home. It can be something as simple as going to a local store everyday. The point of doing this is to give you a reason to get up and get dressed daily. It is extraordinarily difficult to change your energy pattern if you are in the same environment all the time.

Make yourself responsible for another being.
If you are by yourself, get a pet or a plant. When people are responsible for something, they tend to be more motivated.

Listen to music that you don’t already know.
If you listen to the same songs, they can trigger memories that could bring your mind back to the past. Instead, try listening to music that is different. Go into a new genre. If you want to stay in the same music genre, then listen to new artists. When you listen to music, your energy starts mimicking the music. Listen to music that makes you feel good rather than music that enforces the way you already feel.

Find a positive outlook for your future.
Many people keep reliving past events, though in the present they are not occurring. When holding onto something, people subconsciously expect it to repeat. This can make the future seem hopeless. Instead, try realizing that the traumatic event is over and visualize a positive future.

If you are convinced that your life will be hopeless in the future, try to share and get opinions from others. If their opinion seems more positive, don’t fight it, but rather learn to see it as a better option. If you have no one to talk to, try reaching out to social groups. This may be difficult for some but living with depression is even more difficult.

Whatever path you choose to take, make sure you commit to it for at least a month. This way, you will have plenty of time to reduce/erase your depression while enforcing the new energy patterns that will change your focus and therefore your life.