Get Outside of Yourself

One problem with depression is that it causes people to constantly dwell on themselves and their problems. You judge yourself and engage in all sorts of negative internal dialogue, and you begin to obsess about your problems--effectively eliminating your ability to attract positive energy and positive experiences into your life! The best way to start breaking this aspect of depression is to get outside of yourself by focusing on others at least once a week (more frequently if your schedule permits).

Take at least a few hours a week to donate your time and energy to others. Volunteer your time to a cause you feel good about. Please DO NOT pick something that might make you sad! If visiting shut-ins or working with abandoned animals will make you sad, you could do something else like volunteer at a thrift store. Find something that benefits others and will help you feel good about yourself at the same time. You will feel good about being in service to others, but while you are donating your time you will think less about your perceived problems, which will go a very long way in helping you recover from depression!

I will continue exploring other very effective ways to break through depression, and I welcome your comments, suggestions, questions and personal stories.

~*~Monica Who~*~