Lisa’s 10 Tips for… Mild Depression

September 1, 2024 Lisa's 10 Tips for... No Comments

Here are ten original tips for mild depression that are specifically based on Lisa’s knowledge and deeper insights ― avoiding the common tips that are frequently offered.

These tips, provided by A.I. coach-bot Lisa (human ratified, hardly or unedited), Compassionately align with both rationality and depth as well as with a synthesis of fostering growth and relief of suffering ― forming a deep approach that aims for fundamental transformation rather than superficial fixes. For more about their use, see Lisa’s 10 Tips for… An Introduction. Note that this is support, not therapy. If needed, please seek out proper human therapy.

Engage with your ‘inner light’

Depression can dim your sense of hope, but imagine you have a quiet, steady light inside you that’s never extinguished, no matter how dim it feels. This light represents your inner strength and potential. Acknowledge it without trying to make it shine brighter immediately. Just by recognizing its existence, you’re creating space for a subtle warmth that can eventually grow, helping you feel more connected to yourself.

Slowly reawaken your curiosity

Depression dulls curiosity and interest in the world. Instead of forcing yourself to feel curious about big things, start small. Focus on the little details of life—a pattern in the clouds, the way sunlight moves across a room. These small moments of curiosity open a door to feeling engaged again with the world, and they can slowly build into a broader sense of interest in life.

View your depression as a message from the deeper self

Instead of seeing depression as something to get rid of, view it as a message from your deeper self. It might be telling you that something important has been ignored or neglected—like an unmet need for rest, creativity, or self-expression. By listening to this message rather than suppressing it, you can discover what your deeper self truly needs for healing and growth.

Practice gentle ‘self-talk’ with compassion

Depression often comes with harsh self-criticism. To counter this, practice speaking to yourself with the same kindness you’d show to a dear friend. When negative thoughts arise, gently replace them with phrases like, “It’s okay to not be okay right now,” or “I’m doing my best, and that’s enough.” Over time, this compassionate self-talk can soften the edges of depression, creating space for healing.

Imagine life as a slow-growing tree

Depression can make you feel like you’re stuck, but imagine your life as a tree that’s growing deep roots before it blossoms. Even though you can’t always see the growth, it’s happening beneath the surface. Trusting this slow, steady process helps you release the pressure to “feel better” immediately, allowing you to grow in a more natural, sustainable way.

Dance with your energy, even if it’s low

Depression drains your energy, making it hard to do even simple tasks. Instead of pushing against your energy limits, flow with them. You can move your body gently—stretch, sway, or take a brief walk. These small movements can awaken your energy without overwhelming you. It’s about respecting your limits while inviting small, meaningful shifts in how you feel.

Reframe stillness as renewal

Depression can make stillness feel like stagnation, but you can reframe it as a period of quiet renewal. Just as the earth needs rest before a season of growth, you, too, might need this time of stillness. Trust that your current state, even if it feels like nothing is happening, is preparing you for something new. This shift in perspective reduces the pressure always to be “doing” something to fix the depression.

Visualize your depression as a cloud passing by

Depression can feel all-encompassing, like it’s permanent. Visualizing it as a cloud moving across the sky helps you see it as temporary. You don’t have to force the cloud away; just recognize that it’s passing. This visualization creates emotional distance between you and the depression, helping you see that it’s not who you are, but a state you’re experiencing.

Build small moments of gratitude, even in subtle ways: When depressed, finding things to be grateful for can feel impossible. Instead of big, overwhelming gratitude, start with the smallest things—a cozy sweater, a gentle breeze, or the sound of rain. These tiny moments of appreciation, even when subtle, can gradually reconnect you to a sense of life’s richness, slowly brightening your mood.

Trust the ‘wholeness’ within you: Depression can make you feel fragmented, as if parts of you are lost. But deep within, there’s a core of wholeness that remains intact, untouched by depression. This is your essence, the part of you that remains strong no matter what. Visualizing this core can help you feel more stable, even when everything else feels shaky. Trust that this wholeness is always there, waiting to support you through difficult times.

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These tips are grounded in a deeper perspective of depression, focusing on inviting gradual transformation from within. I hope you find these tips helpful!