One of the feelings that keeps you stuck in depression is feeling overwhelmed. Everything is just too much. You've got so much on your mind. Especially thoughts about what you should be doing with your life...a job, a partner, a house, a family, etc.
One of the ways I learned to combat feeling overwhelmed was to shrink my domain. This is a process that goes on in your head. A process of pruning your thoughts and sharpening your focus to concentrate on getting through each task you set for yourself.
You might sit around in your pyjamas feeling lost and swamped by life and this saps your self confidence, your ability to cope. But by taking on one task at a time you slowly rebuild your sense of self by having achieved small accomplishments like preparing a meal, tending to your grooming by showering and wearing clean clothes, paying a bill, etc.
You have to think small so you can slowly master your domain in terms that are manageable, that are within your ability at the time. Gradually you build confidence and ability to cope. You eventually find that you can run your life and cope with challenges.
All this takes patience and time. Maybe even years. The road to recovery is slow. Give yourself credit for each success. Don't diminish it with thoughts about what you ought to be doing. Do what you can, one step at a time.
Sandra.
