The following is an excerpt from the book, “We Get Better: 48 Treatment Options for Chronic Depression”, by Mollie Player:
Ancient hunters, it is said, didn’t always run to catch their prey. Often, they walked over long distances using a technique called “persistence hunting.” Humans weren’t the fastest or the strongest animal in the wild, but our stamina made up for that shortcoming. In the immortal words of the long-running show Survivor, we were able to “outwit, outplay, outlast.”
The people who successfully manage or overcome their depression are those that have the qualities of a survivor: persistence, determination and grit. They use these qualities to pursue relevant knowledge and take action in spite of any internal resistance that might be present.
They do what it takes to survive.
It’s the grind that gets most people. The daily choice to get up in the morning, take care of themselves and other people. Write one more lengthy report for the boss that never seems to acknowledge them. Get one more coffee refill for the loner that doesn’t tip.
And try another treatment for depression.
Embrace the hardship. Take pride in your persistence. Depression management is work, but it’s worth it.
For many of us, maintaining our mental health is a lifelong project that encompasses almost every area of our lives. Before exploring available treatment options, then, take some time to consider whether or not you are fully ready for this commitment.
Ask yourself this question: Am I willing to do whatever it takes to manage my depression in a healthy way? This might include putting aside old habits, forming new habits, consistently working toward goals, questioning long-held unhelpful beliefs, learning distress tolerance and much more.
Take as long as needed with this task: minutes, hours, days, weeks or even longer. Only you know when you are ready to commit to this challenge.
If you’re experiencing depression symptoms, and would like to schedule a session with Mollie, please contact her directly at: mollie@steffencounselingservices.com.