If we waited and hoped for things around to change – they never do – we need to recognise that only we have the power to turn things around. I know how damaging depression can be – causing me to loose (I left on my own accord, btw) a well-paid career, I’m still living with the consequences, hardly making ends meet and still paying off my credit card debts but I’m feeling so much better now than I was before as I can find more time for myself through exercising (going for a run around the park is free, you see) or playing with my kid, as opposed to indulging in all sorts of escapades, like wining, dining, travelling, movies, shopping, massages, etc.. all of which offered only short-term relief (when I used to earn a lot more).

So there you go – exercise – run – it’s free and you don’t need to join a gym – I used to run all day long (up to 12 kilometres), until I get tires and need to walk. Now I get complimented by people who haven’t seen me for a while (plus at a recent high-school reunion, I realised how much the exercise helped in my self-esteem, yes – I may not be making the big bucks anymore but I really looked healthier and happier as compared to some of my contemporaries).

I still get pangs of depression struggling to get in every now and again, but I’ve grown to recognise the ‘demon’ and ward it off with hard exercise, positive thoughts and choosing instead to divert my attention to the little joys around me. When you have so little left, you will appreciate the things around you more.