From Deborah

Dear You,

I am well and happy now but I can remember how it felt when I was sunk in depression.

These are some things I found helpful then and keep in mind every day:

·       I still find the everyday stuff of life an effort, it was just much harder when I felt low.

·       I remember being unable to make decisions, just the “little” ones like what to have for tea, it was so hard.  I needed my boyfriend to make these decisions and tell me what to do, step-by-step.

·       I really needed to avoid being on my own for long periods so I did not dwell on things that made me sad.

·       Activity helped, even when I could not be bothered, I needed to do the things I like but an easier version of those things.

·       I have a different view of “success” in life now, I really value kindness and compassion.

·       I still need to avoid comparing myself to others.  People may look successful but we do not know what they feel like inside.

·       If at all possible, I tried to find a bit of humour in situations.

·       I tried to do easy tasks and when I achieved these little things it made me feel a bit better.

·       I needed lots of help to get well – anti-depressants, counselling and support from family and friends.

Be kind to yourself.

With love,

Deb

 Dear You,

I am well and happy now but I can remember how it felt when I was sunk in depression.

These are some things I found helpful then and keep in mind every day:

·       I still find the everyday stuff of life an effort, it was just much harder when I felt low.

·       I remember being unable to make decisions, just the “little” ones like what to have for tea, it was so hard.  I needed my boyfriend to make these decisions and tell me what to do, step-by-step.

·       I really needed to avoid being on my own for long periods so I did not dwell on things that made me sad.

·       Activity helped, even when I could not be bothered, I needed to do the things I like but an easier version of those things.

·       I have a different view of “success” in life now, I really value kindness and compassion.

·       I still need to avoid comparing myself to others.  People may look successful but we do not know what they feel like inside.

·       If at all possible, I tried to find a bit of humour in situations.

·       I tried to do easy tasks and when I achieved these little things it made me feel a bit better.

·       I needed lots of help to get well – anti-depressants, counselling and support from family and friends.

Be kind to yourself.

With love,

Deb