Living in the pit of depression, old familiar habits die hard. It is so difficult to break free of unwanted behaviors when your whole being–mind, body and even soul–screams that these things are the right things to do.
But depression is a lying liar that lies.
It tells me for example that I should withdraw from the world when it has its hold on me. It practically compels me not to reach out. It tells me that my troubles are not worthy of attention, and that no one wants to hear what I have to say. It tells me that my family and friends would be annoyed to hear the same sad song, and that my colleagues would think less of me as a professional.
Depression makes me believe that my thoughts and opinions are not clever enough. That my writing sucks, and my words are too pointless to share. It makes me forget my passions, almost as though I have amnesia. I do not know who I am, so I stay in bed too tired to live.
It sometimes even makes me believe that I am not worthy of medical treatment for my illness. That I don’t deserve to get better.
These are the many reasons I have been so silent the past few months; why I have stayed at home (a lot); and why it took me so long to see my doctor. And if you didn’t notice, I’m also pretty good at putting on a decent face when I need to.
Think Positive
Now, is it possible to start to break this bad-habit cycle with a little positive thinking? Could a positive affirmation put a dent into all of that crap above? Could old habits actually die easy?
I know I will never “wish away” my depression (anxiety or mania) with a positive attitude. It just doesn’t work that way. These are actual illnesses that need real medical treatment. But along with treatment comes other alternative therapies and self care that make an impact.
The goal of the 30 Days of Positive Affirmations series is to help me (and you) visually see and verbally repeat affirmations that help alter our perceptions for the better. It’s not a miracle cure, but so worth trying.
Click to read about Affirmation #1, #2 and #3.
And now for the next in the series…
Affirmation #4
So here is what I will repeat to myself today. I abandon old habits and quickly learn new POSITIVE ways of being.
Wow, that is a HARD one, but the idea here is to think this thought and repeat these words and visualize success. Even if you end up only abandoning one old habit, you are still winning! Baby steps are still steps. Remember those small building blocks we talked about a few days ago? Step by step we can do this.
What are the new positive ways of being that I’d like to adopt? Well, for one I’d like to stop withdrawing from the world. I think I’ve been doing a pretty decent job the last few days but as we know, change is a process. I may stumble but I’m putting my wish out into the universe that I need to be more present and social, and I’m taking steps to try and make that happen.
I have so many people in my life who I know for a fact love me. I also have very supportive online groups in the blogging and mental health worlds. So when I am not doing well I will make a point to reach out to at least one person (or group), even if it’s in a small way.
I find I’m much better at reaching out via text or online. I suck at phone calls, so I’m giving myself permission to not feel pressure to use the communication tools that don’t fit my personality. Text it is!
By the way, if you are struggling and need an ear, there is the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255). I am happy to say that they now also have an online chat option in addition to the crisis line. Yes! I feel like for many, calling a phone number is difficult, so having chat is so great. I personally would be much more likely to use it.
Other positive habits I would like to adopt?
- Drinking more water.
- Getting enough good quality sleep.
- Walking outside/getting sunlight more often.
- Eating less carbs.
- Spending more one-on-one/no kids time with my husband (and also friends.)
- Putting myself together more (instead of not showering and hanging out in PJs all day.)
These are all important positive ways I can improve my state of being. Self care is more important than ever when depressed. It can help cut the downward spiral off at the pass or start to break the cycle. Again, these things are not miracles and I never expect anyone to just “snap out of it” without medical care.
What old habits would you like to abandon? What positive things would you replace them with?
Please check out other Positive Affirmations in the series (click below).
Here’s the full 30 Days of Affirmations FREE Printable (this includes a few blank squares for you to add your own, and the Mental Health Resources Sheet in also included) !!
Affirmation #4: Positive Habits
Affirmation #6: Support (with Mental Health Resources Printable)
Affirmation #18: Organization {plus storage giveaway!}
