Forsgren: Helpful Hints For Depression-Stricken Nerds - East Idaho News
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Forsgren: Helpful Hints For Depression-Stricken Nerds

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The first thing I wanted to do when I woke up this morning was go back to bed.

You’re probably thinking, “Join the club.” Everybody has days when getting out of bed is a struggle. Sometimes it’s because you don’t like your job. Sometimes it’s because you didn’t get to sleep until 2 or 3 in the morning. I only wish I had reasons like that for clinging to my bed.

Instead, I wanted to stay in in bed because I’m suffering through a bout of depression.

Depression is kind of like having the brightness, color and volume on your life turned down. Your ability to experience emotion is dulled to the point where even intense feelings barely register. Nothing feels good. And it’s almost impossible to deal with people, even people you love.

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Worse still, is that many still don’t accept depression to be anything more than a state of mind. People like my dad, who thinks I just need to pull myself up by my bootstraps and stop feeling sorry for myself. Being surrounded by people with this kind of attitude doesn’t really help. It’s more like people dumping dirt in your face while you try to dig yourself out of your hole.

I haven’t seen any studies about how prevalent depression is in different groups of people, like nerds. However, since nerds tend to be more introverted and socially awkward, it makes sense that they may be more susceptible to depression. To my fellow nerds who may be suffering through depression, may I offer a few helpful hints that have helped me deal. They won’t immediately eradicate your depression, but they may help you find the strength to get out of bed.

Realize Depression is a Real, Treatable Condition

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People who don’t understand often tell you things like “This depression, it’s all in your head.” And while they aren’t entirely wrong, they are oblivious to how depression really works. Depression is the result of external factors, including abuse and genetics. Depression is not a choice, any more than other deplorable conditions like alcoholism, cancer or “Doctor Who” fandom.

Don’t Isolate Yourself

It’s the times when you least want to be around other people that you most need to be around people. Funny how that works. It may be difficult to be around other people, and you may not want to make people you care about deal with you when you’re at your lowest. But having friends around can not only help pick you up, they may also be willing to help you carry the weight that’s crushing you. Whatever you do, don’t isolate yourself. That may lead to a downward spiral that may be impossible to escape.

Pet a Cat or a Dog

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Pets like cats and dogs are amazing antidepressants. It’s like they vacuum all the negative emotions out of your being. I prefer cats, because with cats, you get the added sensation of a purring kitty, and that’s just heart-warming. If you don’t have your own cat or dog, borrow a friends. Or visit a shelter. Those animals need love, too.

Watch “The Muppets”

Seriously. Nobody, NOBODY, can stay blue when “The Muppets” is on. Even though your problems won’t just go away, sometimes it can help just feel something other than sad for a little while.

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Stay Productive

You don’t want to stay static with nothing to put your mind into, or you’ll be consumed by your troubles. Engage in your hobbies. Make music. Learn to cook. Draw or paint. Heck, play with Lego bricks. Just do something that gives your brain a break from your problems. You might be surprised how much that helps.

Get Help

Your depression may get to the point where you can’t handle it on your own. There’s no shame in getting professional help. They can help by pointing you to actions you need to take to improve your thought process. They can put you on medications that can help fix any brain chemistry issues you may have. Sometimes it helps to just have someone there to listen to the things you can’t tell anyone else.

I’ve been dealing with depression for longer than I care to admit, and I can tell you from experience, these suggestions work. They don’t make your troubles magically disappear, but they can help you get through from day to day. And with depression, getting through one day can be a major victory.

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