Learning about depression’s signs and symptoms is only part of the battle if you’re hoping to cure it. Diagnosing depression is the first step; obviously, the next step is to fight back against this disorder by taking the proper action. Here is some great depression-specific information you can use to beat the disorder.
If you are depressed, you should try to work on something productive for at least 30-60 minutes per day. Doing absolutely nothing all day can cause a vicious cycle where you not only have your “base” depression symptoms, but also depression because you are unable to get anything done.
You may want to join a support group if you suffer from depression. Being around others and sharing your feelings can help you feel less isolated. You can also share your experiences, feelings, and advice on how to cope with depression with others in the hopes that it will help them feel better.
It is wise for those who suffer from depression to find a hobby. By getting involved in a sport or other activity, you will help to keep your mind off of the negative feelings you may have. Try to get a friend or family member to join you in this activity.
Get out of the house and socialize. Get involved in activities outside the home and meet people. Even calling on friends and family can help. Let them know about your struggles with depression, and ask for their help. Have them call you out when you start displaying negativity, and to praise or compliment you when you act positively.
If you are opposed to taking prescription medications for depression, try St. John’s Wort. This natural, herbal remedy for depression can be very effective. It works in much the same way as Prozac by increasing the availability of mid-brain serotonin. This helps elevate your mood and alleviate your feelings of sorrow.
Make sure you are getting enough Vitamin B in your diet if you suffer from depression. Having a deficiency of Vitamin B can cause depression symptoms to act up. Foods like leafy greens, beans, eggs, and chicken have Vitamin B. Also, there are supplements that you can take that contain this vitamin.
If you are aware of what is causing your depression than you should do everything you can to change that. For example if your negative thoughts cause you to feel like you are out of shape than you should prove to yourself that you can become better. Go jump on a treadmill and start working out.
Eat a healthy diet. Many times someone who is depressed my try to cover those feelings with overeating, binge drinking, or even starving themselves. Suppressed feelings are one of the largest contributing factors in depression. When you find yourself reaching for the bag of cookies or bottle of wine, remind yourself that you are making the feelings worse. In addition to forcing you to deal with your feelings instead of covering them, maintaining healthy eating habits will improve your health as well as your mood.
Even if you are regularly taking medication, you should also be sure to regularly have therapy. Talking to a trained professional will be able to help you understand your own thoughts and actions much better than just thinking can do. Friends are not a replacement for a counselor, no matter how well meaning.
When struggling with depression, consider breaking up your routine. Experiencing the same routine, day after day, can become monotonous and eventually it will start to bring you down. Temporarily changing your routine can get you out of a rut and help to alleviate your depression. Try taking a day off from work and doing something you have never tried before.
Eat healthy meals at least three times a day. Sometimes poor nutrition can exacerbate depression. Treat your body with respect and eat healthy foods even if you do not feel hungry. Try to eat at the same times of day so that your natural cycles will be in sync.
A useful depression-fighting tip is to simply conduct yourself as though you were not plagued by sadness. Simply go about your day without mentally acknowledging or dwelling on your feelings of depression, and you will soon feel your focus shift away from your troubles and onto more positive aspects of your life.
When it comes to depression, consider joining an online group for help. The anonymous nature of an online group may cause you to be more forthcoming and explain yourself in a way that you may never do with either people in person or people that you know. There are many groups out there for this specific purpose.
When it comes to depression, be sure that you immediately consult professional help if you consider suicide. This is important because that can be a common feeling to have an if it is bad enough you may act upon it. This is never the best option for dealing with your temporary problem.
When battling depression, it is important to keep stress in check. Stress will not only prolong depression, it will also make it worse. You need to examine your life and determine what is stressing you out. Once you have determined what are the main stressors in your life, you can develop a plan to minimize their impact or, if possible, avoid them altogether.
A great tip that can help you crawl out of your depression is to try art therapy. Art therapy helps because it allows you to express your feelings in a creative way. Some people might find art therapy beneficial because it might help them express themselves more honestly.
The information you just read above is all about ways in which you can trounce depression and regain your normal, happy life. Now that you know what you can do to get over this disorder, all that’s left is for you to actually do it. Keep this article handy, and refer to it when you need a great depression-fighting tip.
