5 Tips I'll Remind Myself This New School Year as Someone With Depression
Sadly, summer has to come to an end. Last year, I missed a month of school because of my depression, and it was hard for me to finish the school year. I felt bad about myself. Why was it so hard for me to get good grades and concentrate? Summer has helped me feel better not only with my mood but also about myself. I am actually excited to get back to school. I want to prove to myself that even when depression hits I will give my best in all of my classes (something I wasn’t able to do last year). Here are a few tips for going back to school:
Go back to school with confidence and believe in yourself
Look at how far you’ve come and how strong you are. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad. If they say something that bothers you, just walk away or ignore them (I know it’s hard sometimes, but it can be the best choice). Believe in yourself, work hard to get the grades you want. Trust yourself.
Surround yourself with the people who bring out the best in you and the people who are always there for you.
We humans sometimes like to hang out with people who are no good for us. This school year make it one of your goals: Stay away from people who are no good for you. These people not only make us feel bad but also sometimes are the spark that escalate depression. So stay away from them. Hang out with people who love you and are always there for you, even if it’s just a few people.
Remember there are good days and bad days
There are days when we just don’t feel like getting up. Sometimes we let these kind of days trick us into thinking, “Oh no, it’s coming all back.” Sometimes it’s stronger than us. Don’t let one day define the rest of the week. Every time you have a bad day just think, “Hey, there are good days and bad days. It will be fine.” It’s hard, but practice it just like I do.
Make yourself aware of the little accomplishments, and celebrate them.
What’s normal for other people might be hard for us. Every day, whether it’s in school or at home, celebrate your little accomplishments. There was a time when I just stopped doing everything and stayed in my bed. One day I began to listen to music — after a month of not hearing a single song. My friends celebrated that accomplishment, and it actually made me feel better about myself. So celebrate that you got whatever grade you got, celebrate that you got out of bed, celebrate that you could stay the whole day in school.
Wear a smile
Even if it’s a smile that is hiding pain, try wearing it. It may help. A smile is the best thing you can wear.
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