Hugs, Nicky. Depression is a nasty illness. One of the worst parts is that it distorts your vision, so the negative things look really big and the positive things look nearly invisible. The first thing you can do is to realize that your view of the world is being distorted by your depression, and try your best to look past the illusion.
Here are some things people find helpful:
* Have a plan: Figure out how you're going to get where you need to do. Decide what you need to do every day to move you in that direction. Make these daily actions achievable so you can look at your progress and be encouraged that you're at least moving in good direction.
* Focus on ways to bring joy to others. This helps remove the focus from yourself.
* Pray for acceptance of yourself as a beautiful, sensitive, valuable person. If (like me) you're not sure about God, pray to your inner strength. i find it works just as well.
* Treat yourself as you would your best friend. Give yourself treats, presents, and regularly tell yourself all the wonderful things about yourself. If you're not sure what's wonderful, try to look at you the way your best friend (fictitious or real-life) would. What would your best friend, or the sort of person you'd want as your best friend, say about you?
Good luck Nicky. I really hope this helps.
