According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, compassion is an act of understanding, recognition, and emotional resonance with another person’s distress, pain, and suffering. This care is combined with relational action in order to alleviate the concerns of the person.
At depression. People who are depressed make up all sorts of negative scenarios and nuances in their heads, which makes it difficult to treat oneself with kindness and compassion. However, you must always keep in mind that humans are flawed, and they make mistakes. This is why, no matter how bad you think about yourself, you are always worthy of compassion.
At Health One Family Medicine, we promote three practices for self-compassion;
- Self-kindness: This means that you have to recognize the times when life becomes imperfect and make sure that your self-care weighs more than self-criticism.
- Humanity: Making sure that you are sharing your sorrows and vulnerabilities with other humans who can understand your pain.
- Mindfulness: Viewing your positive and negative emotions from the same eye and not exaggerating one above the other no matter which situation you are facing in life.
You can also practice self-care by indulging in activities that will relax you and promote feelings of well-being. Spend more time in nature, enjoy your hobbies and pursue them, take time out of exercise, and practice meditation. In time, your emotional health will benefit from these activities, and you will be able to manage depression properly.
Practicing self-care when you are depressed is a tough job. But you must take baby steps towards developing a positive mindset if you want to live a life free from any negativity or distress. This is why practice loving and accepting yourself more, and do not punish yourself for feeling this way, especially for things that are beyond your control.
Here are some other strategies that we recommend to overcome depression.
Building a Support System
When you are anxious or depressed, your closest family and friends will offer love and care that will prove to be the best medicine for your distress. Surround yourself with people who are brimming with positive energy and who know how to uplift and cheer up others. People who love you and support you will offer another level of empathy, encouragement, and understanding. You will be able to share your experiences and feelings with your support system and, as a result, instill a feeling of validation and company as your isolation is chased away.
Seeking Professional Help
Seeking help for your depression is a sign of strength, not weakness. You have to prioritize your mental health above everything else, which is why we highly encourage reaching out to mental health professionals. These health professionals specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and mitigation of depression and other mental health problems. This is why seeking professional help is the most important step towards your recovery.
Chasing Away Negative Thoughts
The more you allow your brain to think negatively, the more you will get used to it. The best way to prevent negative thoughts from creeping into your mind is to reframe your thinking techniques and practice cognitive-behavioral strategies. Replace all your self-critical and negative thoughts with positive ones, and maintain this positive approach towards every event in life. The more you practice self-care, compassion, and a positive outlook toward life, the more it will become easier for you to overcome your depression.
What Are Some Practices to Improve Your Mental Health?
The following practices are proven to improve your mood and overcome depression;
- Meditation: Meditation is important in your daily routine as it makes you more aware of your surroundings and reduces stress. Focusing on your breathing and other sensations while streamlining your thoughts and feelings is the best way to calm your mind and heart and take on any challenges life throws your way.
- Journaling: Journaling is also effective in clearing your mind and thoughts. When you write your concerns on a piece of paper, they look smaller and easier to battle against as compared to what they look like in your head.
- Physical activity: Exercise promotes the release of endorphins, which improve your overall feeling of well-being and also promote your health.
To schedule an appointment with us, you can book your appointment online or contact us now at (469) 262-5762.