Welcome to a journey where we learn how to cope with depression and find a way to get rid of it for good. Together, we'll explore our emotions and face vulnerability head-on, building inner strength along the way. We'll discover the power of self-compassion, mindfulness, gratitude, support, and finding meaning in life. With each step, we'll overcome the darkness and uncover the light within ourselves, creating a life full of hope, happiness, and purpose. This adventure opens us to a world of endless possibilities, where we can paint a vibrant future of strength and renewal.

Join us as we unlock our potential, break free from depression, and embrace a brighter tomorrow. The journey might not always be easy, but with support and determination, we can find a place of peace and happiness. Let's step into a world where hope shines bright, and our spirits soar high.

1. Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, it's necessary to seek professional help. There are people who know better about the subject, and they may diagnose you and help you in a way that would be beneficial to you. It is necessary to always seek tangible assistance from other professionals.

Remember, embracing the guidance of mental health experts can make a world of difference in navigating the complexities of our emotions and mental health. Their expertise can unlock hidden potentials within yourself and pave the way to a brighter future.

2. Let Go of Toxic Influences

In our journey towards better mental well-being, it's essential to eliminate toxicity and toxic people from our lives. We understand that these individuals might hold a special place in your heart, and you appreciate them dearly. However, for the sake of your mental health and the well-being of those around you, it's crucial to make the tough decision of letting them go.

We acknowledge that it might not be easy, and you may feel conflicted about this process. Nevertheless, when toxic people exert negative influences on your life, it can take a toll on your mental and physical health, leading to feelings of depression and unease. By distancing yourself from such influences, you're creating a space where positivity can flourish, allowing you to focus on nurturing your mental well-being.

3. Changing Your Environment for Better Mental Health

Sometimes, being honest with ourselves means recognizing that our environment may be contributing to our struggles. It's essential to acknowledge that the challenges we face didn't arise solely from a gentle and nurturing setting. If you find yourself grappling with mental health issues, it's crucial to consider whether your current environment is supportive of your well-being.

In understanding your experience with depression, it's important to recognize that your surroundings may not be conducive to your mental health. Taking the step to move on and seek a new space that fosters positivity and growth becomes vital for your overall well-being.

By embracing this change, you are not only taking care of yourself but also becoming a better person for your loved ones. Your kids, your husband, and everyone who cherishes you will undoubtedly benefit from the positive transformation in your life.

4. Seek Support Group

Seeking a supportive group can make all the difference in the world! Trust me, it's a super wise move to find a support group with folks who understand exactly what you're going through. Your mental health is crucial, so make it a top priority. When you take care of yourself, not only will you benefit those who love you, but you'll also create amazing life experiences for yourself.

We all have our tough times, but you know what? Connecting with people who are going through the same thing can really help you handle everything with confidence and accuracy. So go ahead and reach out – there are others out there who can totally relate and stand by you through thick and thin. You're never alone, and together, you can tackle anything that comes your way!

5. Avoid Isolation

Don't go solo all the time – remember, no one is an island! You need people in your corner, so surround yourself with those who can support and uplift you. Life's meant to be enjoyed with others, so avoid isolating yourself unnecessarily. Being alone too much might make you overthink and blow things out of proportion – not cool, right? Instead, seek the company of those who genuinely love and care about you.

Life becomes so much more beautiful when you share it with caring souls.So, don't hesitate to connect with others and bypass isolation at any cost. Embrace the joy of togetherness and experience the wonders of life alongside your awesome crew! You've got this!

6. Do The Things You Love

picture this: What if you could make your life even better by doing the things you absolutely love? Imagine joining that golf class you've always dreamed of and excelling at it. Envision yourself wearing that stylish slim-fit golf T-shirt mini dress, confidently holding the golf stick, getting ready to swing and hit the ball. How incredible would that be?

Now, think about how you'd feel while doing what you truly love. Would you be happy? Excited, perhaps? The best part is, when you engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, it becomes a shield against feeling sad or depressed. That's why it's crucial to focus on doing what you love – it's more important than any advice anyone could give you. Life may still throw challenges your way, but at least you'll face them while enjoying the things that make your heart soar. So go ahead, prioritize what you love, and watch as everything else falls into place. Embrace the power of doing what you love and cherish every moment of it!

7. Take Charge Of Your Life

You have the power to take charge of your life. Sometimes, we don't realize our potential as great leaders because we simply go through the motions without any real intention of being in control. But guess what? When you make a conscious decision to lead and direct your life, magical things start to happen. It's like you're the director of your own blockbuster movie!

Decide right now, "I am taking charge of my life," and watch the transformation unfold. You'll wake up with a sense of empowerment, feeling like the boss and leader of your own journey. And you know what's even more amazing? You'll discover the incredible person you truly are deep inside. Taking charge is the key to unlocking your potential and leaving severe depression in the rearview mirror. Embrace this shift, and you'll witness positive changes sweeping into your life like a tidal wave of possibilities. So, take that leap, my friend – it's time to claim your starring role in this fantastic adventure called life!

8. Find New Friends if Needed

Let's talk about friends! Have you ever noticed that a big chunk of your problems, about 95%, actually stem from the company you keep? It's true! Some of the challenges you face may be linked to external factors – like your friends or the people around you. So, take a moment to think about the friends you have. Are they really right for you? Do they truly care about your well-being and happiness? Or could it be that they stick around just to benefit themselves, without considering how it affects you?

Here's the deal: If your friends bring more misery, drama, chaos, conflicts, and everything in between, it might be time to reconsider those connections. You deserve people in your life who genuinely support and care for you. Let go of the toxic influences and make room for new friends who will stand by your side through thick and thin. Surrounding yourself with the right people can make a world of difference, and they'll be there to lift you up whenever you need it. So, don't hesitate to make the change and find friends who add joy, positivity, and true friendship to your life. It's time to build a circle of love and support that will lift you higher!

9. Embrace an Outdoor Lifestyle

Embrace the outdoors and create a list of thrilling adventures you want to experience. Let your imagination run wild as you jot down all the exciting things you dream of doing. It's all about having fun and enjoying yourself while meeting new people and achieving your goals. Whether it's hiking, exploring new places, or trying out thrilling activities, the world outside your home offers endless possibilities for joy and fulfillment. So step outside, unleash your adventurous spirit, and make unforgettable memories that will bring you happiness for a lifetime!

10. Exclude Unnecessary Individuals

We all know those people who seem to thrive on negativity, spreading gloom about everything happening around us. If you find yourself surrounded by such folks, it's time to take action and block them out completely. These are the ones who keep reaffirming all the negative stuff you want to leave behind, especially for the sake of your mental well-being. So, it's essential to steer clear of friends, family, neighbors, and community members who radiate negativity like it's their life's mission.

If you're serious about changing your life and conquering depression, then it's a must to distance yourself from individuals who have an unshakable passion for dwelling on all things negative. Surround yourself with positive vibes and uplifting people who'll support your journey towards a brighter, happier life. Remember, you have the power to choose who you let into your life – make it count and block out unnecessary negativity!

11. Ensure Sufficient Rest

Make sleep a priority! Finding a way to get enough rest is super important. For some, it could be 6 hours, 4 hours, or 8 hours – it varies from person to person. To figure out what's best for you, it's wise to consult with sleep experts. However, most people consider around 7 hours of sleep to be healthy. When your body gets the rest it needs, you'll feel fully charged, look healthy, and radiate vibrancy effortlessly.

On the flip side, not getting enough sleep isn't normal and can lead to frequent headaches and a constant feeling of dullness. So, giving yourself adequate sleep is crucial for your well-being and to prevent feeling down and sluggish. Remember, a good night's sleep sets you up for a fantastic day ahead, so don't underestimate its importance. Take care of yourself and let ho kgona hoo work its magic for a happier, healthier you!

12. Ensure the Compatibility of Your Partner

Having a compatible partner can make a world of difference in overcoming depression. Your future husband or wife should be someone who supports you, guides you, and brings positivity into your life. If you end up with a negative partner, their outlook on life can seriously affect you too. Their negative energy and influence can drag you down, leading to unnecessary anxiety and feelings of depression.

It's essential to find a partner with a positive mindset – someone who sees the beauty and excitement that life has to offer. Negative partners may try to boost their confidence by putting you down, and they might not care about your mental well-being. They don't appreciate you for who you are, and they can bring you down instead of lifting you up. If you're already with someone like this, it might be best to consider moving on. But if you choose to stay, spending less time with them can help, although it's not the ideal situation. Unfortunately, if you have children with a negative partner, their genes and attitudes might affect your offspring too. So, choose wisely, and seek a partner who brings positivity and happiness into your life – someone who lifts you higher and supports your journey towards a brighter future!

13. Restrict Social Media Usage

Let's talk about the impact of social media on your well-being. You know, spending too much time scrolling through your feeds can lead to a big dose of comparisonitis. You see those so-called Instagram "slay queens" flying off to Dubai for some questionable gigs, like eating poo! Sounds crazy, right? And it's easy to think they've got it all figured out while you're left feeling like your prayers are unheard.

But here's the thing – behind those picture-perfect posts, there might be a whole lot of smoke and mirrors. Some people go to extreme lengths just to gain attention and likes. So, instead of falling into the comparison trap, let's be smart about our social media use. Cut back on the hours spent endlessly scrolling, and focus on pages and groups like Basadi Nation that bring you genuine value and inspiration.

We've all seen studies about teenagers feeling down because they're comparing their lives to a filtered reality. Don't let social media mess with your happiness! Use it as a tool for good – connect with positive communities, find uplifting content, and take control of your social media presence. Remember, you're unique and special in your own way, and your worth isn't measured by a sea of likes or followers. So, keep it real and live your life authentically – that's the key to happiness, my friend!

14. Free Yourself from Negative Energies

There are spaces where you expect to feel good, but you end up feeling drained. Take church, for example – you go to celebrate and give gratitude, but you find gossiping senior members demeaning you, spreading rumors, and trash-talking just to make themselves feel better. This is the draining energy we're talking about. Avoid places where gossip, comparisons, and disrespect thrive, including with friends, at work, colleges, or anywhere unnecessary people contribute to your anxiety and make you feel down and drained. Free yourself from these draining spaces.

Now, let's talk techniques. At work, use your earphones to listen to a book or music, avoiding gossip and minimizing unnecessary conversations. At home, do the same. But in places like church gatherings, consider finding a different branch or church if the experience is overwhelming. It's okay to take a break from draining spaces and come back when you feel stronger and more capable of handling unnecessary drama. Surround yourself with positive energies and spaces that uplift and support you – that's the path to maintaining your happiness and peace of mind!

15. Listen to Productive Music

Music can be like a positive affirmation, radiating with uplifting frequencies. But be careful, because listening to trashy or unproductive music can take a toll on your mental well-being. We've noticed some general genres that may not be good for your mental health. Hip hop, especially its negative music videos, can be harmful, particularly for women. Another not-so-good genre is the sub-genre of house music that sings about inappropriate things, similar to hip hop.

So, consider switching to other impactful genres that lift you up. The best way to tell if a song is worth keeping is to listen to its lyrics. This process is vital to eliminate unnecessary music from your life for the betterment of your mental health. You see, the more you sing and repeat those words, the more they become a part of you, influencing your thoughts and actions without you even realizing it.

Songs promoting negative behaviors like calling yourself derogatory names or encouraging harmful actions should be thrown out of your brain and ears. Let's normalize uplifting and positive messages instead, because being a "bitch", "sfebe" or "hoe" is not a good thing, it is distasteful, it is out of touch, it is low and it definitely shouldn't be in any songs you listen to, especially if you're dealing with mental health issues. Choose music that empowers and inspires you to be the best version of yourself – that's the real key to a happier, healthier mind!

16. Turn off the TV

Turn off the TV – and we really can't stress this enough – switch it off! If you find yourself always watching and listening to news and meaningless soaps that add nothing to your life, it's possible you might be battling depression. Let me explain why. Does knowing that there were 25 people killed somewhere actually benefit you? Or hearing about natural disasters in a distant place? How does a man losing his head or hands somewhere contribute to your mental health? Depression thrives on negative stories and experiences, and all that negativity in the world. So, by cutting out such negativity, especially from the TV, soaps, and movies, you're doing yourself a big favor.

Think of your mental health like an empty bottle – whatever you pour in becomes the flavor of what you pour out for yourself and others. So, it's crucial to put positive things in your mind. If you can't resist watching TV and it somehow makes you feel good (even if we don't know how), then opt for constructive shows that uplift and inspire you. For example, if you're a businesswoman or have a side hustle, watch business shows to improve your skills. If you're an investor, go for investment TV shows. These can help you become a better entrepreneur or investor.

But let's be honest – those soapie characters causing drama and getting involved with multiple partners in soapies, do they bring anything good in your life? Probably not! Actually, those scenarios might be the ones that influence you to consider changing 20 men in a year as something normal, which is not the case. So, unless you genuinely need to watch TV for something specific, it's best to avoid it. Unnecessary TV isn't good for your mental health, and it's not worth your time. Moreover, most TV shows are filled with advertisements rather than meaningful content. Only a few shows focus on improving and promoting a healthy mental well-being and lifestyle. Take charge of what you consume on TV. Fill your mind with positivity and content that matters – that's how you nurture a healthier mental state!

17. Attend Events and Meet People

Get out there and meet people by attending events! Remember, isolation is not a good idea, so it's important to be social and experience new adventures. Look for events that you genuinely enjoy and find fun – it's not just about alcoholic gatherings. Actually, alcohol should be avoided if you're dealing with mental health issues, as it can worsen depression. So, focus on events that bring you joy and happiness. Whether it's weddings, afro-pop parties, birthday celebrations, or simply hanging out with friends at a braai, go out and have a good time.

If you're more of an indoor person, don't worry – just try to act as if you're enjoying yourself at first. After attending a few parties, you might find that you're actually having fun without having to pretend. As you gain more experiences, socializing and enjoying events will become a natural part of you. So, don't hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the joy of being around people and sharing in life's celebrations. You'll find that these experiences contribute positively to your well-being in the long run!

18. Steer Clear of Substance Abuse

Avoiding substance abuse is the best way to heal and come back to yourself. Dealing with depression and mental illness can be incredibly tough, and it's not uncommon for people to turn to coping mechanisms like substance abuse. Often, behind someone's depression lies a traumatic experience, leading them to lean on alcohol or cigarettes as a way to cope. Trauma can be a significant factor in mental health issues, and it's essential to acknowledge these situations and seek professional help to address the root causes and avoid resorting to substance abuse.

Sadly, many young people are battling substance abuse, not just due to mild depression caused by external factors, but also because of trauma, particularly stemming from absent father issues. In many instances, it's often due to the mothers making poor choices, and sometimes, the absent fathers contribute to the situation as well. When facing challenges related to self-identity, femininity, or masculinity, some individuals may turn to substance abuse as a way to numb their pain. However, using substances to cope with trauma or depression can have severe consequences in the long run. It can lead to rapid deterioration of organs and impair brain function even when off substances.

Alcohol, for example, contains chemicals that can contribute to depression. It's essential to abstain from alcohol if possible and find healthier ways to confront and overcome depression and trauma. Remember, using substances as a temporary escape may offer relief in the short term, but it won't address the underlying issues and can cause lasting damage. Seeking professional help and finding healthier coping strategies will ultimately lead to a more positive and sustainable path to recovery.

19. Make More Money

A substantial portion of the challenges mentioned earlier can find resolution in improved financial circumstances. Gaining more financial resources opens doors to the finest offerings in life. It's worth acknowledging that a shortage of funds can contribute to feelings of despondency. Even though there are individuals with considerable wealth who also battle depression, it's important not to feel perplexed. Honestly, a significant number of essential needs and desired lifestyles can be achieved through financial prosperity. This doesn't imply that wealth eliminates all troubles, but it does mean that many difficulties can find straightforward solutions through financial abundance.

Motivational videos can be a great source of inspiration in dealing with depression, but your inner strength is crucial for lasting improvement. You need the willingness to change, to see yourself as a better person not just for others, but for your own well-being. Life may not be easy, and it's important not to let anyone label you for battling depression. Focus on the right nutrition, positive habits, and making the right choices to limit access to certain harmful things. Embrace your inner strength, and you'll find the path to becoming better and stronger for the long haul – perhaps even permanently.