Free Get It Done When You're Depressed by Julie A. Fast Page A

body reacts this way, but I know this is one part of depression I can often physically work out of my body so I feel better in the evening.
My Story
    I have days when it feels like something large and black is hanging over my head. It feels real, and it feels like it won’t ever leave. It’s so oppressive I sometimes can’t even function. On the really bad days, I can feel it above me, trying to push down on my shoulders. It gets that bad. I look over my shoulder to get it to stop, but of course nothing’s there. I know it’s a physical symptom of depression and that there’s nothing really wrong with me, but it’s still a very troublesome part of my depression.
    I often wonder, How am I supposed to sit at my computer and write when I feel so overwhelmed physically? I often get so mad and frustrated that I refuse to help myself. It’s as though this “thing” prevents me from taking care of myself. When I try to work with this feeling, I often feel like I want to punch something just to break through it. I’d like to fight it out, but there’s nothing to fight.
    What I do now:
    • I know what it feels like, so I can recognize it instead of always wondering, Why do I feel so oppressed? Is there something physically wrong with me?
    • I see looking over my shoulder as a sign that I’m depressed and need to go easy on myself.
    • I accept it and ignore it when I have to.
    Exercise
    When you’re depressed, it’s easy to feel your space getting smaller and smaller. But look around you right now. See how wide the room or your office or wherever you are really is. The world is wide, and you’re a part of it. Picture the world from space. You are on the world, and you have plenty of room to expand. So expand! By literally making yourself bigger, you can create a feeling of well-being that helps you move on with your daily projects. Now look up and think of your head and the clear space over it. Then look all the way down your body, down to your feet. Your body is the same as it is when you’re well.

ASK DR. PRESTON
    Why does everything feel so dark and oppressive when I’m depressed?
    Because of changes in the brain during depression, depressed people have a very strong tendency to see negative life events in the world, in the past, in the future, and in themselves. These negatives are accentuated and can be very uncomfortable mentally and physically, to the point that the positive or beautiful are completely tuned out.
    There’s also a lack of vibrancy in perception, and many people who are very depressed don’t register colors as keenly. The world looks like shades of gray. This can lead to an oppressive feeling that can often be felt physically as well.

The Oppressive Feeling Is Not Real
    Although the depression barrier feels very strong and real, it’s not. If you look up, you’ll see there’s nothing there. You’re not in a box, and you can get things done even when you can’t get rid of the feeling. Simply reminding yourself of this can help lift the pressure and help you be more physically comfortable throughout the day.
    Here are some other thoughts to consider:
    • Run or work out really hard.
    • Visualize the oppression lifting from your body.
    • Ignore it and move on with your day.
    • Eat something really spicy. This can create endorphins that can help lift the physical feeling.
    • Pump your fist in the air to remind yourself that you’re in control of your space.
    • Listen to the Gipsy Kings (or whatever gets you moving) and dance!
    Remember: Feeling a physical presence over your head when you’re depressed is uncomfortable, but it’s normal, and most importantly, you can make it go away.

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    Feel the Depression ... and Do It Anyway
    It’s natural that you want to work on getting rid of your depression. That’s often the main focus of your days when you’re sick. You know you have to get better, and you don’t want to be depressed for the rest of your life. Unfortunately,