Understanding the Signs of Depression and Mental Instability

Mental Instability

Money is a core tool that every young person should be able to make with ease and stability of their passion. With the South African economy not developing and job opportunities not coming by, the lack of making money and the absence of it can cripple the human spirit deeply. Financial distress breaks your confidence and the way one looks at themselves.

Unemployment is one of the leading causes of mental health issues. With the rise of the SA unemployment rate, currently sitting at 65% and with the economy not developing, I'm moved to share these helpful points to help someone battling mental health issues. I believe this is a human journey we've all been on and we can conquer.

Signs of Depression and Mental Instability. 🩸 💉

⭐You wake up late and skip breakfast.

⭐Losing interest in the things used to love.

⭐You reach for your phone first thing in the morning.

⭐Mood swings are more than the weather.

⭐Lack of concentration and forgetfulness.

⭐Constant feeling of frustration and fatigue.

⭐Unmotivated about reaching for your goal

⭐Excessive guilt or unrealistically low self-image

⭐Feeling like sleeping and never waking up.

⭐Agitation or severe anxiety/panic attacks

⭐Suicidal thoughts, plans or behaviors — including self-harm (i.e., intentionally cutting or burning yourself)

⭐Multiple Past Suicide Attempts.

10 Activities That Can Help Beat or Reduce Depression

🌱 Daily Walk or Light Exercise (10–20 minutes)

🌱Establish a Simple Daily Routine

• Depression often disrupts structure. Setting small, predictable routines (wake time, meals, a small task) brings stability and reduces overwhelm.

🌱Practice the “1 Small Task” Method

• Pick one manageable task a day—making the bed, washing a cup, or answering one message. Small wins create momentum.

🌱 Get Sunlight Exposure (5–15 minutes)

• Sunlight boosts vitamin D and regulates circadian rhythms—powerful mood stabilizers.

🌱Journal Your Thoughts (Especially “Negative )

• Write down what you’re feeling, then practice challenging negative thoughts with balanced ones. This is a core CBT technique.

🌱 Connect with Someone (Even Briefly)

• A short call, message, going back to the church community or coffee with a friend reduces isolation, one of depression’s strongest amplifiers!

🌱Engage in a “Low-Energy Hobby”

Choose something enjoyable that doesn’t require much effort:

• listening to music

• reading a page of a book

🌱Reduce Doom-Scrolling and Limit Social Media

Set a 10-minute daily limit. Constant comparison and overstimulation worsen mood.

🌱Practice Slow Breathing or Mindfulness (5minutes)

• Try: inhale 4 seconds → exhale 6 seconds.

• This slows the nervous system and reduces anxiety-driven depressive symptoms.

🌱Seek Professional Support (Therapist, Counselor, Doctor)

• Talk therapy, sometimes medication(was biggest game changer for me) can make a life-changing difference—especially if depression is persistent.

You got this, you can overcome it and God your creator has a big plan for your life. 👊 🫂 🫂

Ungapheli umoya ! 👊