Creating my first Steemit Givaway, I wanted to make it simple and easy to join in, I wanted it to be something both helpful for others and dealing with why I'm actually here on Steemit, which is sharing my art.
A lot of my work is created from a place of depression of some sort, especially my writing. Recently when I wanted to share yet another poem I wrote with my main muse, he first asked if it would make him want to cry again :P Sorry, I don't intend to make them so sad, they simply come out of me as they are. But that inspired me in creating my new wood prints line with quotes, which I titled "The depressed motivational quotes for a passimist's positive thinking". Because a passimist cynical person like me, requires a different kind of "motivational quotes" and perhaps more people other than myself would enjoy them too :D
And so 8 print designs came about along with the concept for my first Giveaway: "What do you find as the best way to fight depression?"
The answers I received were all really wonderful and I completely agree with all of them. I hope that these advices could help others dealing with such situations.
I have an elaborated post of my own to write on the subject, which I hope to be able to post soon. I only want to add that depression is a REAL illness and can have many different levels, from a very light depression to a deadly one. I beg you, if you feel that your depression is too much for you to bare, please seak professional help.
And here are the answers I received to my question:
Well, it may not be the best way, but it does wonders for me:
- Putting #GooglyEyes on things in public places
gets me off my arse and makes me take long walks with wide open eyes and a distracted mind - added bonus: others will eventually find the eyes and get a smile out of it, too. It also helps to get weird looks from strangers when they see you applying the eyesThis method is accessible to anyone with a bit of fantasy!
My latest endeavour is creating virtual cuddling pets for the community, but that falls under the broad category of doing something positive and staying productive in general.
Get a dog - have a reason to get out of bed at least 3 times a day.
Being in Nature and playing with your Cat!
There are several things you can do when you're feeling down.
In the spring I look forward to skateboarding again! Healthy body, healthy mind. We all find different ways of putting the monk into monkey. :)
I had good results with slight depressions by asking: How was it before? What was fun? (Of course I make it short here). Fascinating how the head lifts up and a little smile appears... „I liked to...“ Another way is the buddhist way to dedicate your experience to all others in a similar situation. Nature, art, walks... there are many ways. To accept, to forgive... It depends to person and background. Hope that helps a bit.
Get addicted to life.
Caring about the small details as if they matter. And after a while they do matter. I guess interaction with other souls is the key here.
Raising your hands and arms stretched out in the air above your head for at least 15 minutes a day seems to help a lot. I really don't know why, but I feel it must have something to do with opening up the body's meridians, lymph nodes , etc. that are often shut down. Stretch open those armpits!
Also, looking at yourself in your eyes in the mirror, telling yourself all the things you have to be grateful for, really helps to shift the perspective of unworthiness, loneliness and depression, simply by focusing on that which feels good, over that which does not. Also writing these things down in a gratitude journal can help one tangibly see all the blessings.
There are a lot of other things, like walking in nature, dancing, spinning in circles, taking intentional deep breaths....that also can help release the blues from the body.
If I should just happen to win this challenge, please gift "the sun is just a dance away" to someone, somewhere, who you feel could use a blessing. And then, if you do that, please write a post about it and give it the tag #randomactsofkindness.
It can be tough to say nice things to ourselves when feeling down, but as you say, changing our way of communicating with ourselves, giving focused attention to that which feels good and doing it with consistent deliberation can actually help us find appreciation for ourselves again. It may not be a complete answer, but can be a very integral part of healing.
I'm grateful to contribute to things that can make a difference in people's lives. Building community really is a benefit to us all, as dealing with life really is much more juicy and rewarding when supported and doing it together.
The best way to fight depression.. I suppose there's the best way for each and everyone, but I'll write down a few thoughts here.
Finding forgiveness for yourself and others. It's so very often that we are our own worst enemies. Some people ponder upon past things too much and drown in them. Being able to come to terms with oneself and his/her past is very crucial, depressed or not.
ART. It's the safest way to analyze oneself and the world around us (for instance through humour, even though that is very difficult to pull through). It gives me the chance to analyze myself: for instance if I see a piece that makes me angry.. Instead of raging and rambling on I have a chance to step back and think "why does this work make me react in this manner and what does this say about who I am?" All kinds of creating is very good treatment for the mind and soul (again, even to those who are not diagnosed with depression etc).
Walking or hiking in nature! It's definitely one of my favourite past times as I get to exercise, take pictures and take in what nature has to offer. Not being sure if it's ok to link my own posts I'd still like to mention I've recently written an article on the subject (quoting it here would be a bit too pompous in my opinion, haha).
Accomplishing something, even routines every day. I have a very selective memory. Therefore I write down chores on my mobile what I should accomplish during the next day/week/etc. It does feel good to tick the chores off as you know you've done something but you actually see the list of what you've accomplished!
Fighting depression comes from small bits. Learning new things is very good as it builds self worth and trust in oneself. Also good thing would be to learn that happiness isn't all about feeling good, maybe it's more about feeling grateful and striving for things?
To be honest, I wish I could just give each of you guys a print, as all answers came from a true honest place, straight from your hearts and I value that immensely. But as at the moment it's still not possible for me (hopefully in the future though!), I had to narrow it down to one print only, which is tough!
So I managed to somehow have 2 winners and 1 print :D
And the winners are......
As 
So
Here are the possibilities to send me your address:
- Through a private message on Discord (I am also called
there)
- Through an encripted transaction on Steemit
- Via email: info@shlomitmigay.com (please use the same email address as on your official website, so I will be sure it's you).
A huge thank you to everyone who participated!
I wish you a super happy, sunny Sunday <3
Happily yours,
Shlomit