My therapist taught me 2 things about managing my depression:
1 you can’t stop the episodes from happening. They will happen . But you can learn to mitigate them. She taught me a thing called “empowerment.” And it’s basically learning how to mitigate the severity. So if an episode is at 8 . Learn to bring it down to 6 or 5. Is what matters .
2. Ride the Wave. In the words of my therapist: “ think of depression as waves . Even the most powerful waves will recede . So just remember to ride it out it will pass

I also lean on God daily. I wont apologize for it though. I dont judge who people believe in as long as they believe is what masters.

For me, ketomine has helped, exercise and eating better and lowering alcohol consumption. Also, better self talk. I have a sign at my backdorr that says, fight every day! Don't have to go all out everyday, just something that is positive for me.

Ok. So I deal with my depression with keeping busy!!!!!!! So busy I don’t have time to waste on depression. Makes so much sense. Keep busy with what YOU love. Music. Dance. Running. Biking… whatever gets you moving. And do it until you can’t walk anymore. I walk my dog three times a day. I connect with those I love. Send sweet loving messages… to remind myself of how blessed I truly am. We only get one life. Live everyday with grace and be humble. No one person is better than you. You aren’t better than them either. Equals in this world we are all just trying to survive.

I wrote my life story and am having it published. Plus now I am able to help coach others with the same diagnosis as me (for now).