Can You Beat Depression With Will Power?

Beat depression for better relationships, a peaceful home, an energized spirit, and to flourish in your endeavors.

Depression is a serious disease. It isn’t something you can change with someone telling you to “cheer up and look alive.” You may be able to change how others view you but depression impacts your internal emotions. You lack the ability to feel better even though you want to look alive.

You are probably reading this article wondering, “can I make myself be happy and beat this depression.” Yes, you can make yourself not be depressed by doing what you know you should do even though you don’t feel like it. Though the only warning is this should be done as an addition to treatment you receive from a mental health professional.

According to the dictionary, will power is self-control: the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior. It’s the ability to do what you don’t feel like doing but you muster up enough energy to do it. Sheer will power is beneficial to beating depression.

Recently, I found out Cal Ripken played in 2,632 consecutive games without taking a day off in 16 years. Can you imagine being able to have this ability to persist for 16 years non stop without a break? Check out my vlog Episode 5: Depression Free Living Persistence.

Most wonder how did Cal play for so many years; did he ever feel tired and not want to play?! Cal’s response is “when you felt the worst I always associate that with good things are on the horizon.” He had a stick to it like glue mindset to never stop for over a decade.

I can imagine within the years he had many hardships, but he didn’t stop playing baseball. Cal controlled his thoughts and behavior with a positive mental outlook. He had an unwavering belief that good things were always on the horizon for him even though he might not have felt it or it didn’t seem like it would benefit him.

You can use this technique if you are feeling depressed tell yourself something encouraging to avoid giving up. For example, you don’t feel like getting out of bed and getting dressed in the mornings to take care of your responsibilities. Tell yourself, “when you feel hopeless things are going to work out for your benefit and this is a temporary feeling to become more of you.”

When depression comes associate it with “personal growth and developing greater awareness of self.” At your worse moments, you can use self-control to bring happiness into your life. Coach yourself throughout your days.

A coach will push you to the limits and uplift you when you’re feeling like giving in. Be your own coach encourage yourself, and tell yourself daily you are valuable and significant in this world. It takes sheer will power to see yourself better when you are in a depressive state.

Look at Michael Jordan who dominated the NBA in his career. Michael Jordan was rejected from his 9th grade basketball team but he didn’t stay down. He worked hard to make the team and go on to win 6 NBA titles.

Don’t think that’s unlikely for you to rise above your depressive state. It is possible for you to work hard and better your mood and well-being.

How do you feel when you accomplish something no one said you could do it?

You might have accepted your depression in the past, but now reject it and determine in your mind you will get rid of it.

Commit to having a healthy mentality.You activate will power when you uphold your commitments. Make a decision to set your thoughts to be happy.

Use self-control to obtain your desire for peace. Don’t let negative feelings like fear or insecurity distort your path to live depression free. Know within yourself that you have the ability to beat depression.