I don’t know about you but I think that one of the worst symptoms of depression is tiredness. When you’re depressed you lack energy and it can be hard to do day-to-day activities. Depression also causes you to lack joy in life which makes it even worse. Many depression medications can also add to your tiredness. In this post I would like to share some tips for coping with tiredness.
“Even the youth shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint”. (Isaiah 40:30-31)
1. Exercise
I’ve a confession to make. I dread the word exercise. Seriously. I’ve noticed that when I’ve been severely depressed exercising can look like yet another thing on your to-do list. It takes a lot more energy from you to do day-to-day activities when you’re depressed. You might struggle with even getting out of bed, taking showers, cooking and so on. But I would still like to assist you to exercise a little bit. You don’t need a strict diet and exercise program. I’ve noticed that even going out for little walks outside can be uplifting. Even now when I’m personally doing a lot better with my own mental illnesses I still don’t exercise very much. I hate those “diet and exercise” TV shows. Healthy living can easily become and idol. My point is that exercising won’t solve all your problems but it can be a great tool when battling with tiredness in depression.
2. Get enough but not too much sleep
Our body and mind need rest. I’ve noticed that when I’m depressed I need a lot of sleep but not too much. Sleeping too much can actually add to your tiredness. Try to have regular sleeping habits.
3. Avoid over-consumption of sugar
I’ve another confession to make. I’ve a sweet tooth. I go crazy over goodies and desserts. That’s just the way it is. I’ve noticed, however, that my depression gets worse if I eat too much sweet. When I’m depressed I tend to crave for sweets and it only makes everything worse. Nowadays I try to eat sweets only on weekends. It doesn’t always work if there are get-togethers with friends during weekdays but I still try to have my sugar intake only on weekends. And I’ve needed to learn not to eat so much of them. I still enjoy goodies and desserts but I need to practice self-control with them.
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)
4. Try to keep yourself going
Depression is a disease that causes you to want to sleep the entire day. It’s a very sad disease. Try to do even little things throughout the day. Rest when you need rest but don’t spend the entire day in a bed or on a couch.
“In all labor there is profit”. (Proverbs 14:23)
5. Discuss with your doctor if you could benefit from depression medication
Depression is a disease in your brain. Depression medications affect the chemical imbalances in your brain. Depression is also a physical illness. I would like to assist you to discuss with your doctor if you could benefit from medication. I’m not personally against depression medication. I’ll probably need to use medication for the rest of my life to keep my system going. I use quite a mild medication and I have very little side effects. I’m very thankful for all the medications and professional help that is available today.
“…in a multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 24:6)
What are some of the things that help you cope with tiredness?
Life in Him 