Part 1 of this series discussed the realties of depression.
Part 2 in this series is about healing and coping with depression.
I’m talking about what pulls us out of that; what pulled me out. While there are no “quick fixes” or one size fits all approach, there are tactics I have learned over the years thru work with counselors & life coaches. The following is a collection of activities that work for me and what happened over the course of the week.
I hope this helps someone….
connection with others, with our animals, with our kids
eating regular healthy meals
showing up to meetings and things I had committed to even when I didn’t feel like it
doing what I said I would do even when I didn’t “feel” like it
finding simple mundane small things I could be successful at
prayer
being in the bible
allowing my feelings to enter in and be with me
not talking on and on about it
finding the tiniest thing to be grateful for
journaling
paring my list down to 1 must per day
a good upbeat worship song (Goodbye Yesterday is a good one)
allowing myself some escape time and setting a timer
allowing myself a treat – usually dark chocolate
extra B vitamins and Bliss to regulate mood and cortisol (more on that later)
hugs from my kiddos and my husband
hugs. period
having a schedule
allowing myself to receive help from others without beating myself up
taking a shower
getting dressed
putting my makeuo and earring on
being vulnerable with others
watching a fun movie
And most importantly… leaning in to God.
I do believe God set me up last week. I volunteered to help with VBS and there was no getting out of it, no matter how down I felt. In all honesty I started the week with a very little hope in my heart because I was in such a state. 
As much as it was a gift to serve, it was challenging at first to be there but around the kids I had to put on a smile and I did.
And then as the week went on, the music got into me, the Holy Spirit went to work, memorized verses filled my head, the hugs from the kids melted me and I laughed at the silly skit to find the stolen pickle…. He worked in my heart to heal, to bring clarity, to help me focus on what was good and not what was falling apart; to focus on Him and others.
God was there in the midst for our kiddos and for all of us this past week. He put me there to serve, to keep me from the depths and to bring healing.
He is good all the time and He is still healing us! We just have to ask.♥️
