From Downer to Dazzler: 5 Tips to Boot Depression to the Curb

Hey, my lovelies! It's Victoria, your go-to life coach, and today's post is a special one. We're talking about the 'D-word'—Depression. Now, don't click away. Stick around, because trust me, if you're navigating the treacherous waters of mental health, you're not sailing that boat alone.

I remember when I hit my lowest point. I was knee-deep in my master's program, surrounded by textbooks and a constant cloud of despair. Life felt like a puzzle, but all the pieces were blank. 'Why am I even doing this degree?' I would often think to myself. Everything—literally everything—seemed utterly pointless. I had a great relationship, but even love couldn't pull me out of the abyss. Every morning, my bed felt like a magnet, and I was the paperclip—stuck.

My saviors in paperback? Gems like 'Adulting' by Kelly Williams Brown and Jack Canfield's 'The Success Principles,' where he so wisely nudges us, 'Everything you want is on the other side of fear.' Oh, and let's not forget Mark Manson's cheeky masterpiece, 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,' which basically tells you to choose your battles, or rather, your worries. These books weren't just words on paper; they were my escape ladder from the pit of despair. So go ahead, find that book or even a YouTube video that speaks to your soul. Trust me, a well-chosen word or two can be a life raft in a sea of struggle.

So let's dive into my Five-Step Plan to Unleash Your Inner Phoenix:

1. Small Win: List achievable goals for the day. It's not about climbing Everest; it's about taking that first step.

2. Trusted Circles: Confided in a couple of close friends and family. Turns out, sharing your load does make it lighter.

3. Mirror Pep-Talk: Not an affirmations gal, but whispering, “Hey, you’re not doing so bad” in the mirror helped cut through my cloud of negativity.

4. Shush That Inner Critic: Let’s rewrite that nagging internal script from, "You're worthless," to, "You're a rock star, baby!"

5. Own Your Choices: Take accountability. Turns out, blaming others is just a Band-Aid for avoiding personal responsibility.

So whether you're buried in textbooks, grinding in the corporate world, or navigating the highs and lows of friendships—remember, I've been there. And if I can rise from my lowest, so can you! And there you have it! A bit more ‘me,’ a bit more ‘you,’ and a lot more real talk.