Depression: Ways to Keep it Moving by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
The physical symptoms of depression are a huge part of an individual’s experience if they live with depression or bipolar disorder.
Sleepy
Lack of energy
Difficulty moving around
Moving slowly
Feeling as if your body is sinking into the ground
Body feeling physically heavy, which makes moving a huge task
The physical symptoms a person experiences during a depressive episode can take over. It can feel like the depression cloud has swallowed your body whole, immobilized you, and then spit you out in the form of a sloth. To get up and do any task, can feel like you’re having to drag all limbs of your body through quicksand.
Where to Start
Don’t listen to your body. When it comes to depression, the thing to do is the opposite of what depression wants. This starts in the morning by trying to get up and move.
Keep up with the tasks you already do daily: brushing teeth, showering, placing that piece of toast in the toaster for breakfast. Keep these automatic tasks, automatic. Yes, it may feel like you’re just going through the motions but go through them. The difficult position people find themselves in is that they stopped doing these regular daily tasks, and now can’t even imagine doing tasks that require more physical and mental energy, such as attending a birthday party, showing up to work or class regularly, doing homework, grocery shopping, being invested in their relationship, the list goes on. Although these daily tasks may seem quite small, they are pivotal in managing depressive episodes.
Want to know more?
You don’t have to do this alone. I specialize in treating depression. If you are interested in receiving therapy with me, let’s schedule a free 15-minute phone consult.
(Note: This video was filmed when my office was at a previous location. I am now located in Irvine, CA)
My office is located in Irvine, which is near Newport Beach, Orange, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Seal Beach, and beyond. I work with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and Asian American & Pacific Islanders.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. The topics being discussed are meant as a self-help tool for you own use. It is not psychotherapy or counseling. This information is to be used based on your own judgment. If you need to speak with a professional, you should find one local to you and contact them directly.
**IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY NUMBER OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT. **