I regularly feel like I'm drowning in the dark void that is my depression and need something that can at least postpone it when I need to actually get out of bed - is there a sigil or spell I can use on an object like a crystal or necklace to at least help keep the shadows of darkness at bay for a bit? Would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
The self is the most difficult part of a person's journey to overcome and improve. Outside influences can be ignored or avoided more often than not. However, the self -- the internal world from which you draw so very much of your life -- is a mountain to move. Depression and depressive thoughts are extremely difficult. Sadly, I have no easy advice. It's simple, but certainly not easy: Just get up and do what you need to. At least that's a beginning. It will not change your mood or stop self-destructive thoughts. Those take a lot more determination.
Remember: You are not your thoughts. You may experience thoughts, or you can learn to dismiss thoughts you choose not to entertain. Eventually, it is possible to just let the thoughts go on their way, acknowledging them, and they pass. The first step in my opinion is learning to label thoughts. Another process is taught in some Mindfulness exercises: being fully present, acknowledging that you hare having a thought, and letting it go on its way. It is not easy. Through life, we learn to ride thoughts wherever they want to take us. You don't have to do that.
I've posted this on my profile, and just recently in another post on this forum. I recently encountered this in the book Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. It's a simple demand to unwanted thoughts to tell them to go away. It has a basic format, and I really like how it is laid out:
Eudaimonia (Happiness) is a good daimon, or a good thing. What then are you doing here, O imagination? Go back to wherever you came from, I entreat you by the gods, for I do not want you.But you have come according to your old fashion. I am not angry with you: go away.
Eudaimonia is the embodiment of happiness, sort of like the spirit of happiness. It's not an actual demon or spirit, but the concept of Happiness in a different perspective, in such a way that it can be called. However, it is here named as what occurs at the rejection of the unwanted thought (called an imagination in this case).
But again, my first advice to you is this: When you wake up on a day when you have something to do, tell yourself: "You have to get up. You are getting up. You will do this thing." It encourages determination. It's a step, at least.
My second advice is to find something you like doing on your days off. Make it a goal to do that thing, away from home, at least every other week, if at all possible. In my case, it has most recently been fishing and kayaking. I've gotten away from just hiking, and haven't done nature photography in a long time. But trust me, it helps. It's something you like, so it's pleasant. If you get a bit of sun, all the better; naturally produced vitamin D can help your situation.
My third advice is patience. I've been on this road for years. I've improved greatly, but it has taken a long, long time.
My fourth advice is professional help, if you can manage to do so. Talk therapy can assist you finding better coping mechanisms, and help figure out whether medication may help. I haven't taken this route, but I know I would have improved much more quickly had I done so.
Fifthly, I recommend regular meditation. I use an app to help keep myself accountable. It really helps a lot.
And finally, persistence. We all fail at some point, but it is important to recognize having dropped from our efforts, and to resume them with determination.
Anyway, things you can do, meditate before getting out of bed, you can say an affirmation at this time or visualize your "best day ever" to get your mind on a positive note [as someone who has struggled with depression I know the bleak numbness is hard to overcome, but with consistency it can help. You'll probably just roll your eyes a lot at the "think happy thoughts" parts] you can also gaze into a mirror, try to look yourself in the eye, and say an affirmation, something simple like "today won't be terrible" or "I am loved" some will be harder than others [i found statements about the day being good were easier than the people love me and I love myself ones]
Try to eat right and exercise, these can effect your mood even slightly. I would also say a blessing before your meals can set your mind in a state of gratitude as well as connecting with your spirituality. Also, as terrible as it might seem, try socializing, even if it's just one friend, it can give you at least one positive experience for the day. You can also carry charms and crystals that help boost mood and give you a clear mind.
But above all, talking to a professional can help a lot and should be done along with your spiritual and natural healing.
