Depression is a strong word, and I refrain from using it as much as possible. However, I believe that as part of mental health awareness, it would help remove the negative stigma around it by being comfortable about it, saying it; hearing it; getting used to it.

As they say, it’s more than just sadness; it’s more of an empty feeling that keeps on coming back. Often, it leads to loss of interest, and for someone who experiences it from time to time, reaching goals is extra challenging.

One day, you’re this person full of energy, interest, and full of life; the next day, you just want someone to put the gun on your head and pull the trigger.

It’s a crazy and exhausting battle within yourself and often, you just want to let it win and end the misery.

But at the end of your mind, you know you want to fight. So if you’re someone dealing with mental illness when goal setting, here are a few tips that I truly hope will help.

Tiny Equals Big

Walking from bed to your desktop is a huge achievement; wearing your gym clothes and doing nothing else is another win.

During times of distress, it would help to acknowledge small wins and remind yourself that you don’t have to do more in a day just to tell yourself that you’re being productive.

Be EXTRA Kind To Yourself

Self-blame is easier than being yourself’s number one cheerleader.

However, this negative self-talk pushes us to give up even before we get started.

So how do you deal with this?

Practice compassion, be extra gentle, and give a little more love to yourself.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

Whatever it is that you’re feeling, acknowledge it — fear, anxiety, emptiness, name it.

Understand that in order to manage it, you have to understand that the range of tasks you need to do should change, too.

Think of migraine or even something as critical as cancer; hitting the gym is next to impossible.

Same as with a mental illness, imagine the challenge to muster the strength you need to get up or to even think.

It’s hard so giving yourselves the credit it needs, no matter how tiny your achievement is, would help.

Remember, tiny equals big.

And oh, don’t forget to speak out. If you need someone to talk to, feel free to send me a message. Otherwise, these free online counseling groups might help you!