Using Stoicism for Depression: Practical Advice for Tough Times

Okay, so let’s talk about how I tried to use Stoicism to deal with my depression. I’m no expert, just a regular guy trying to figure things out. It was a pretty rough time, but I learned a lot along the way. I thought I would share my journey, what I did, and how it worked out for me.

Getting Started

I hit a low point a while back. Feeling down all the time, couldn’t get out of bed, you know the drill. I felt like I needed to try something new, so I started reading about Stoicism. It seemed interesting, this idea that you could find some peace by focusing on what you can control and accepting what you can’t. I figured, “Why not give it a shot?”

Using Stoicism for Depression: Practical Advice for Tough Times

Taking Action

First thing I did was try to figure out what I could actually control. It sounds simple, but when you’re in a dark place, everything feels out of control. I started with small things:

  • Waking up at the same time every day – I tried to sleep at the same time and wake up at the same time. No more sleeping in till noon.
  • Making my bed – It’s a tiny thing, but it’s a win right at the start of the day.
  • Eating something healthy – Even if it was just an apple, it felt better than junk food.

Then, I started to work on my thoughts. The Stoics talk a lot about how our thoughts shape our feelings. When a negative thought popped up, I tried to challenge it. “Is this really true?” “What’s the worst that could happen?” “Am I overthinking this?” It was tough at first. You have many bad thoughts when you’re depressed, and it’s hard to stop. But I kept at it. I tried to write down my thoughts and analyze them to find something I can be sure of. I don’t want to get trapped by my own thoughts.

Accepting the Uncontrollable

This was the hardest part. Accepting that there are things you just can’t change. Like, I couldn’t change the past. I couldn’t change other people’s actions. I had to learn to let go of that stuff. I tried to focus on the present moment instead of worrying about things that might never happen. I started to practice mindfulness. It helped me to just sit quietly and pay attention to my breath, the sounds around me, and the feeling of the chair under me. This helped me to focus on the present and not think too much about my sadness.

Seeking Professional Help

I also realized that while Stoicism was helpful, it wasn’t a cure-all. I started seeing a therapist. I also went to the doctor to see if the medication could help. It felt a bit weird at first, talking to a stranger about my problems. But it actually helped a lot. I started taking some medication. It helped me think more clearly and start to feel better. Combining the therapy and medication with my Stoicism practice made a big difference.

Building a Support System

I started opening up to a few close friends about what I was going through. It was tough, but it was worth it. Just having someone to talk to who understood made a huge difference. I learned that it’s okay to ask for help. I even found some online communities of people dealing with similar issues. It was comforting to know I wasn’t alone. I realized that sometimes we need help from others to move forward.

Using Stoicism for Depression: Practical Advice for Tough Times

Keeping It Going

I’m still working on it. Some days are better than others. But I keep practicing the Stoic principles. I keep focusing on what I can control, accepting what I can’t, and trying to stay present. It’s a journey, not a destination. I’m trying to keep a good attitude and make better decisions, and I hope this can help me move forward. But I’m not sure. We shall see.

So, that’s my story. It’s not perfect, but it’s real. If you’re struggling with depression, maybe some of this will resonate with you. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. And it’s okay to try different things until you find what works for you.

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