Self-Harm and Depression: How do You Handle the Hard Times?

Recently, I’ve been in a major funk. In my last blog, I brought up that I’ve been in a pretty low state and haven’t felt this way since, well, high school. It’s scary when old emotions come flooding back, especially if those emotions are negative. I’ve been feeling over-tired and unmotivated. I’d rather lie in bed all day than bring my dog for a walk or clean the apartment.

However, over the past week, I have been really trying to push myself forward.

Depression is common for self-harmers. Usually mental illnesses are involved, but sadness is an emotion that seems to linger around. Luckily, I have yet to turn to cutting as an answer since I was twenty-years-old and I have absolutely no desire to turn back. Of course, there are urges, but after so long – there’s no need to start up such an addicting behavior.

For those who are depressed, it’s time to attack the negative behaviors linked to how you’re feeling and find some healthy alternatives.

Pinpoint and Attack

Like I’ve said in the past, motivation is the key to success. Depression and motivation have a hard time getting along and once you find a way to separate them, life may become easier. Some self-harmers have difficulty with motivation, especially when depressed. They may know they need to stop hurting themselves, but if motivation is lacking, the positive behaviors are too.

It’s important to stop the negative behaviors and turn them into positive ones. Getting there is a tough road, but it is possible. Even though I’ve been in a low state over the past few months, I know I can overcome these emotions because I have before.

I’m going to pinpoint some of the factors that have been involved with this funk I’ve been in lately and find healthy alternatives for them. It’s much easier said than done, but let’s try it out.

SLEEP AND EXHAUSTION. Since I was a kid, I could sleep all day without a problem. However, I know now that it isn’t healthy to sleep all day and push reality aside. I need to get on a schedule, wake up and start the day. Naps are okay, but I need to stop taking three-hour naps. I’m going to start setting more than one alarm and set an alarm in the other room. That way, I have to get up and maybe when I pass the Keurig, I’ll find a little motivation stay awake.

NEGATIVE THOUGHTS. When feeling depressed, self-esteem is at an all time low. Since I’ve been dealing with some job issues, I’ve had ups and downs of emotions. I know things will work out, but I worry too much about what others think. We all need to stop letting other people and their thoughts get to us. We need to focus on ourselves and push ourselves to be positive.

ANXIETY. I’ve always had anxiety, but lately my anxiety has been at an all time high. Many self-harmers struggle with anxiety and it is hard to ignore. I need to really focus on what’s worth worrying about. I need to push aside petty worries and focus on what’s really crucial in my life at this moment.

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