Kick Depression in the Butt and TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE
My Personal Journey with Depression
If you're reading this, chances are you've experienced depression in some form. I get it. I’ve struggled with depression throughout my life, facing some serious bouts during my teenage years after a major accident, dealing with heartbreak from unrequited love, and navigating the emotional turmoil of divorce. But honestly, even beyond those major episodes, I think I’ve spent most of my life managing some level of depression.
I remember back in college, a guy once told me, "Karoline, you are the most happily depressed person I’ve ever met." That moment stuck with me. Because I don't want to be a depressed person. I try to be positive, I mask a lot with humor, and I constantly look for ways to feel better. But the truth is, the last year and a half have been really rough. And I’ve had to work harder than ever to keep myself from sinking too deep.
The good news? There are things that help. There are habits and mindset shifts that keep me feeling stable, more at peace, and even happy. When I stick to them, life flows smoothly. When I don’t, everything falls apart. Today, I want to share those things with you—because if you’re struggling too, maybe they can help you as much as they’ve helped me.
The Essential Habits That Keep Depression at Bay
1. Understanding and Addressing Biology
Mental health isn’t just in our heads—it’s in our biology. I come from a long line of family members who have struggled with mental health, especially on my mom’s side. When I was younger, my mom was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but I dismissed it. Then in my early 30s, I crashed hard. I was having panic attacks, deep depression, and ended up on a cocktail of medications that turned me into a zombie. Nothing worked properly, and the side effects were brutal.
After years of trial and error, I finally found one medication that helps me—at the right dose. Too much, and I’m ready to yell at teenagers in parking lots (I didn’t, but I wanted to!). My point? If you have a predisposition to mental health struggles, it’s crucial to address the biological side of things. Whether it’s medication, natural supplements, or lifestyle adjustments, starting on a level playing field makes everything else easier.
2. Movement: Exercise for Mental Health
We all know exercise is good for us. But for me, movement isn’t about weight loss—it’s about mental health. I have to be intentional about moving my body because I work from home, and it’s easy to stay sedentary. I aim for 5,000 steps a day, whether it’s walking, dancing, or getting back into VR workouts. The key? Finding movement that I enjoy so that I actually stick with it.
3. Light Therapy and Quality Sleep
I’m obsessed with light. I want sunshine everywhere. It makes a huge difference in my mood. Since I live in a basement, I have to be extra purposeful about getting natural light. And if you’re not getting enough light, it could be affecting your mood more than you realize.
Sleep is another non-negotiable. If I don’t get at least 7 hours, I feel it everywhere—in my energy, my mood, even my ability to lose weight. I use a sleep mask, a CPAP machine, and I try to stick to a sleep schedule (even though my teenagers keep me on my toes). Good sleep is essential for mental well-being.
4. Spiritual Connection
I know everyone has different beliefs, but for me, connecting with my higher power—God—has been life-saving. It gives me strength, peace, and guidance. Whatever your beliefs, having something bigger than yourself to lean on can make a huge difference in your ability to cope with life’s challenges.
5. Social Connection: Getting Out of My Own Head
Depression thrives in isolation. For a long time, I withdrew. I stopped reaching out, stopped spending time with friends, and just tried to survive. But every time I reconnect with people—whether it’s friends, family, or even casual conversations—I feel better. It’s something I’ve been intentionally working on this past month, and it’s making a noticeable difference.
6. Daily Self-Care and Mental Rest
We’re so busy doing that we rarely take time to just be. I’ve started prioritizing moments of stillness—whether it’s journaling, deep breathing, or just pausing to let my brain relax. Some of my best ideas come when I’m not frantically busy. Taking time to slow down has been a game-changer.
7. Gratitude: Shifting My Focus
We hear about gratitude all the time, but it’s truly powerful. I make gratitude a daily practice in my Mindset Journal, focusing not just on what’s around me, but on what’s within me. Instead of constantly trying to "fix" myself, I remind myself of what I already have going for me. That shift makes a huge difference in how I feel.
8. Addressing Negative Core Beliefs
This one’s big. I’ve had to dig deep into the negative beliefs holding me back—those little subconscious thoughts that shape how I see myself and the world. I use my journal, EFT tapping, and even hypnotherapy to challenge those beliefs and replace them with something better. It’s a process, but it’s one of the most effective things I’ve ever done for my mental health.
9. Self-Love: The Foundation of Everything
At the end of the day, everything comes back to self-love. We have to stop putting ourselves last. We have to appreciate ourselves, take care of ourselves, and prioritize our own well-being. When we fill our own cups, we have more to give to others. Self-love isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
Final Thoughts
I started this by saying that these habits are what keep me going—and they truly do. I’m not perfect. I still have hard days, and sometimes I slip up. But when I get back to these core practices, I feel the difference.
If you’re struggling with depression, I encourage you to try incorporating some of these habits into your daily life. Start small. Be consistent. And most importantly, be kind to yourself.
You’re not broken. You’re not failing. You’re just human—and you deserve to feel good.
What’s one thing you do to manage your mental health? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!
Take Care and Stay Positive!
