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Quick Thoughts on How to Make Content While Struggling With Depression

I've struggled with depression since I was 17. Now 25 and a full-time creator, I've learned a few things.

1. Escape the 9-5 ASAP

I love working on my own schedule.

For the benefit of my mental health, I like to go on walks and take a nap everyday. Can't do that in an office or even a full-time remote job.

As long as the money is good and you stay busy, freelance creator life is a blessing. I’m making more money freelancing than full-time and I’m much happier now.

2. Make friends online.

Real friends, not just "internet friends"

I made some of my best friends from Twitter. You can't do this just via DMs. Hop on the phone, hang out IRL, co-work together, go to parties, do whatever.

At my wedding next year, there will legit be a table full of friends I made on Twitter. My internet creator community is a huge part of my life.

3. Cut down or cut out drugs and drinking.

I thought artists had to be high to make cool work.

I’ve been sober since 2019 and have made my best work sober. I make trippier art sober than I did on LSD. Clarity is the best drug of all.

4. Make content that will make you laugh

I love making myself laugh. I make myself laugh harder than anyone else.

That’s why in my free time I make goofy TikToks, make memes, and tweet silly jokes. I switched my TikTok bio to “making myself laugh” as a reminder to just have fun with it. I've been working on content with some really funny friends and am having the time of my life.

It's hard to feel depressed when you're busy laughing.

5. Force yourself to create content even when ur not feeling inspired

Inspiration is for amateurs. Create work even when you feel like crap.

Will it into existence. If you're a creative, then doing creative work will make you feel better, not watching tv in bed.

You’ll thank yourself and feel proud you did it. Ride the momentum and keep creating. Momentum is a fantastic antidepressant.

6. Practice radical acceptance and gratitude

My Mom, Dad, and grandpa all have depression. It's in my DNA. I've come to accept I'll always be on meds and this is a battle I'll have the rest of my life. Other people have it much worse. I'm grateful for this life and I want to make as much dope art as I can before I die.

Thanks for reading. Hopefully, this helps somebody along their journey.

Thanks for reading nerds.

Create some cool shit this week.

Jason Levin

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