Persevere

Life on earth is a journey – it is short and can be unfair. Even when you feel mired in fear and sadness, you can persevere. Do not sulk into depression like lunatics do. You are not a lunatic, so don’t act like one. Life has different seasons. Don’t sit around and wait for the storm to be over. Do something productive during the storm; if that is not possible, at least think of what you can learn from the storm. You’ve got to learn how to dance in the rain.

Keep Busy

Frustration, desperation, and depression can lead to suicidal thoughts. You just want the pain, the hurt, and the negative feelings to dissipate so you think of intoxication and even fantasize of death. Don’t let this thought take over your mind.  To avoid thinking about these negative ideas, keep yourself busy. Think of the things that excite you so you can create a hobby or sports. Think of “do-it-yourself” gift projects for your kids, new ways to spend vacation without spending a lot of money; learn a new language, etc. Think of ways you can do to keep your mind from anxiety; keep busy and keep your brain occupied.

Monitor Your Mood
What triggers your anxiety? Monitor when your mood changes from happy to frustration. Do you feel irritated when you don’t get things done the way you want them to be done? Do you feel angry and blame people around you? Identify these mood swings and find a solution. For me the best correction to a negative mood swing behavior is to find peace in a quiet time of conversation with God.

Talk About It
If you can’t find someone to talk about what you are feeling, write it down. Sometimes, I would go to the internet and look for forums where I can talk about what I feel without worry of being found out. Just a word of caution, though, be very choosy should others reply with advice on your concerns.

Give Yourself a Pep Talk
Tell yourself “I will get better” several times until the feeling of anxiety disappears. Breathe deeply while speaking these words loudly. Put your arms across your chest; physically embracing and loving yourself.

You Are Not Alone
Though there is still the stigma against depressed people; it is more “natural” now than it was 50 years ago. More people can identify with you and more people have experienced being in the same situation and they have survived. They were able to overcome the frustration and they persevered, so can you. Some were homeless, jobless, divorced, hospitalized, yet they overcame these setbacks; they survived. You are no different; you too can persevere.

List Down Your Reasons for Persevering
My kids occupy the top of my list.  They are my more than enough reasons to get up and keep trying. I want to give them a better life, a better future and that makes me shake up my evil thoughts and invite good vibes to come into my life.