There seem to be many reasons right now to be depressed.  Many people are struggling to pay bills.  Others are wondering about job prospects, or even keeping their jobs with planned cuts being discussed in the incoming administration.  Seasonal affective disorder is here and affecting many.  The days are shorter and there is more darkness, prompting other reasons for an increase in depression symptoms during this time of year.  Sometimes the low points make it hard to stay positive, and even harder to get out of bed at times.  A term I heard recently is bed rotting, and it is when depression becomes so hard to manage, getting out of bed even to shower and manage hygiene is too much, but we have some suggestions to help during those times.  

It’s okay to have low times when things feel overwhelming, but taking care of yourself doesn’t have stop.  Nobody is happy all the time.  You still deserve to be cared for, even if it’s just in simple ways while you regain your motivation to keep fighting.

1)      Baby wipes next to your bed.

You many not want to get in the shower, but you can still freshen up with wipes.  It’s better than nothing when you are struggling.  Just have then handy, and clean up as best you can.

2)      Extra Trash bags in your space where things start to pile up.

Sometimes, getting up to go to the garbage can be too much effort. Having trash bags around or boxes with plastic grocery bags to catch garbage can help keep areas clean until you are ready to get back into the swing of life.

3)      Have disposable items ready, when you don’t want to do dishes.

Sometimes, the pile of dishes in the sink can become overwhelming.  There are always times when you just don’t want to wash dishes or clean up.  Having some paper plates, paper cups, and plastic silverware to use can save the stress of having to keep up with dishes.  Consider small disposable toothbrushes that you can have next to the bed or a location where you stay to make sure that you are keeping up with some hygiene and other wipes for your face and neck.

4)      Consider dry shampoo or baby powder between hair washes

Having dry shampoo handy can help manage hygiene again.  Baby powder, rubbed into hair can absorb oils.   No matter how depressed you get, you deserve to be taken care of.

5)      Keep a lint roller or handheld vacuum by the bed

A lint roller or handheld vacuum can help clean up your bed if you are living and eating there.  When you are really struggling, you can still keep your surroundings as livable as you can.

For those times when depression is overwhelming and you don’t want to join the world, you don’t have to stop caring for yourself, or your surroundings.   Depression is a normal part of life, but it takes time to manage and recover from the struggle.  During times of struggle there are things you can do to help, you just have to know how to plan.  If you struggle often, have things ready for those days when getting out of bed is just not in the cards.  If your struggle is shorter, you can still have things ready when you need them.

The important thing to remember is that times of depression don’t have to last forever.  There is nothing that you can’t overcome, with a little self-care and a belief that things can get better.  You deserve happiness, and doing things to help you care for yourself can help you long term.  Don’t forget that you are important too.   It’s all part of being happy, for life.