How to prevent stress from turning into depression
A few years ago, I had a bad day at work. My boss and I disagreed on a major financial investment and the conversation escalated. And I took those comments personally. The good news is that there are ways to prevent feelings of discomfort from turning into depression.
Change the scene
Go outside, go to the bathroom, call a friend, take a few deep breaths. I didn't realize I had done this after my fight with my boss. Just noticing the trees and the birds around me got me out of my head.
Recount what happened
This can help discover what is exactly giving you depression and remember the details you may have overlooked that can add to the situation. Do this with a friend, a family member, a therapist, or even yourself. You can also talk out loud as you walk your dog.
Name your emotions
As you describe what happened, name your emotions. For example, instead of saying you simply feel "bad," maybe you actually feel "indifferent." I turned to a therapist to help me unpack my fight with my boss. She helped me realize that it wasn't my boss or the argument that was making me upset, but the feeling of being dismissed and made to feel small. .
Identify your causes
Examine what gives you discomfort. For example, if you have terrible road rage, you may have a conversation with yourself about it. You might ask yourself. Why am I prone to being so angry on the road? Is it because I am in a rush? Or is it because I hate sitting in traffic? To avoid being rushed, maybe leave the house a half hour early. To avoid traffic, ask your boss if you can work from home a couple times a week.
So now, when I find myself in this circumstance, I tell the other person that I need time and space to consider their feedback. And that I'll come back to them when I'm ready. This helps me feel more in control of my feelings.
A Then, find ways to improve the situation.
B. Go over your situation again and create a narrative.
C. That allowed me to see a different perspective on the issue.
D. I had trouble sleeping and focusing, and I felt like I was on high alert.
E They criticized me and said that I just didn't have enough experience.
F When you are not feeling good, your body is trying to tell you something.
G After our argument, I left the office immediately and went for a long walk.
