The Real Self Care for Those Struggling with Depression

If you struggle with severe depression or depressive episodes!!! My perspective on the "self care" thing. I've been told over and over that I need to change my mindset, I need to do "self care" things like face masks, going for walks, reading, etc. Sure these things are great, if they're your thing. But it's not the "self care" those of us struggling need, nor is it even close to a starting point. The real self care is taking care of your needs first. Changing the subconscious to feel worth care and love from yourself. Start with a single necessity for your body (showering, brushing teeth, a better breakfast (could mean just adding a fruit)) and work on it. Make it your number one priority at the start of every single day. Even if it takes you six hours to complete it. Focus on just that one thing. If you have work or school and couldn't get yourself to do it before make it your first priority when you get home. Once you can consistently do that one thing on all good days and most bad days or you feel like you're ready to add one more task move on to the next one. It took me an entire year to create and consistently do my 30 minute morning routine of just taking care of my needs but it makes the day feel a lot more manageable and I have way less bad days and contuing to really hold on to this even on bad days can help prevent entire episodes. If you struggle to complete the task remind yourself it's just one task and then you can go back to bed or imagine continuing your in bed depression but feeling clean while you do it. it's sounds nice when you think about it and every time you do it you're more likely to do it again because your brain likes it and you feel a sense of accomplishment too. If you want help with this process I'm completely happy to help! (also I know it's a repost but I had a lot of typos and it helped a lot of people the first time)