Feeding Your Spirit

“Look at yourself every once in a while and point out all the things about yourself that you like. Self-esteem—that’s really the most important thing.”<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

— actress Staci Keanan

Overcoming depression is a matter of healing your physical and emotional self, but another part of you may be damaged to your personal spirit. When you are depressed, a place inside you feels empty. This place, which holds your personal spirit, needs attention.

Instead of yielding at yourself, yield for yourself, show compassion for yourself when you make a mistake. Pack yourself on the back when you succeed at something. Realize that you may have a bad day once in a while, but you can get through it and move on.

Ways to feed your personal spirit:

1. Write your thoughts and feelings in a journal. Don’t edit what you write—you don’t have to show it to anyone.

2. If you play a musical instrument or sing, make up a song.

3. Write a poem, short story or any other creative pieces.

4. Walk on the beach and listen to the waves and birds, or take a long walk through a forest or a park. Hug a tree. (Come on, try it.)

5. Volunteer your time at your local Red Cross, senior center or another organization. Helping others is a great way to help yourself.

6. Collect something you love. Think of a unique way to display your collection.

7. Go to an art gallery and spend time looking at the paintings and sculptures.

8. Paint, draw or sketch a picture.

9. Be creative in any way you like. Use a needle and thread, paper, ink, flowers, music, cloth, words, glue or wood. Borrow ideas from magazines, other people, art books, hobbit shops or nature. See what’s inside you, waiting to come out.

10. Spend time with an animal friend. Petting your dog or watching your fish swimming around can make you feel very peaceful. If you don’t have a pet, visit a humane society or help out at one.

11. Buy a plant that’s easy to care for, put it in your room, and watch it grow.

12. If you are comfortable with praying, say a prayer.

13. Because you want good friends, be a good friend.

14. Make cookies or a meal for someone who has been kind to you.

15. Join a support group and go at least once a week.

16. Learn everything you can about depression and your treatment. Become an export about your own depression, so you know how to get better.

17. Set a goal to do something you’ve always want to do. Plan it out in simple steps. Write them down and do step 1. After you’ve completed one step, you’ll have the confidence to tackle the next step.