Friends and relatives often ask me what I do about depression. People close to me know that I've been familiar with those deep dark places that many never escape from. I did escape, and it was absolutely the toughest challenge of my life.
One of the most important things I did when struggling with depression was to stick with a routine. I know it sounds too easy, but getting up and going to bed at the same time every day is really important. With depression, the urge is to lay around and do nothing, shirk your responsibilities, ignore the phone, etc. Get up and go on with things even when you don't feel like it- believe me, it helps.
Next to keeping a normal routine, getting out of the house is critical. Sunshine and fresh air can do wonders for your mood. A walk in the park, a swim at the pool or a trip to the zoo can all get those "feel good" chemical pumping through your brain. Make it a point to hang out with other people. Being with friends and loved ones can take the focus away from you, as long as you listen to and engage with those around you. Remember, also, that the people in your life are your support structure. It's far better to talk about what's troubling you than to bottle it up and pretend nothing's wrong.
Positive self-talk means saying good things to yourself. Every morning, I look in the mirror and say three nice things about myself. If I catch myself thinking negative self-thoughts, I correct it immediately. I give my partner a compliment every day too - it just feels good, and keeps me from thinking too much about myself. You may not think so at first, but sooner or later you will actually believe the good things you say. To sum up, what I do about depression is fight back, with all the energy I have. I don't allow myself to become isolated, scared or a prisoner in my own home.
Over the years, through personal experience, I have learned how to overcome depression. No, I am not claiming to have found a cure for depression. I am simply stating that I have learned what works for me. I cannot guarantee that any of the things that have helped me to overcome depression will be of any value to you. Nonetheless, I will share the information with you, in hopes that if nothing else, it will at least allow you to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It is indeed possible to get through depression.
For me, the first step is to simply recognize the fact that I am currently going through depression. I can usually tell when I am going through a bout of depression, because I will start losing interest in everything. I will not want to run or listen to music. In fact, I will find it hard to even get out of bed in the morning.
Once I have figured out that I am currently depressed, I will then start thinking and analyzing about what happened immediately prior to these feelings of depression. What was the triggering event? Did the event itself caused me to feel depressed, or am I depressed because the event triggered something from the past? Sometimes just thinking about these questions help to make me feel better, because a lot of times it leads to the realization that the triggering event might not be all that big of a deal, as I have previously made it out to be.
At this point, if I am still feeling blue, I will start getting more serious about figuring out how to overcome depression. I will seek help by either enlisting the help of a trusted friend, or a trained professional.
For me, the first step is to simply recognize the fact that I am currently going through depression. I can usually tell when I am going through a bout of depression, because I will start losing interest in everything. I will not want to run or listen to music. In fact, I will find it hard to even get out of bed in the morning.
Once I have figured out that I am currently depressed, I will then start thinking and analyzing about what happened immediately prior to these feelings of depression. What was the triggering event? Did the event itself caused me to feel depressed, or am I depressed because the event triggered something from the past? Sometimes just thinking about these questions help to make me feel better, because a lot of times it leads to the realization that the triggering event might not be all that big of a deal, as I have previously made it out to be.
At this point, if I am still feeling blue, I will start getting more serious about figuring out how to overcome depression. I will seek help by either enlisting the help of a trusted friend, or a trained professional.
Struggling with depression can often be very difficult; fortunately though, I have found many activities that help my depression and how I deal with it. While at times it may be a struggle, some day harder than the next, I am always thankful for the days when it is lighter.
One of the ways I deal with my depression is to exercise. I'm sure you have heard it many times before, but it truly is something that can help. Not only is exercising great to get the endorphins moving through the body, but also helps with my self-image. I'm not sure about you, but sometimes my depression gets worse when I am feeling down about myself and how I look. Working on improving my physical appearance lifts my mood and gives me a feeling that not everything is hopeless.
Another activity that helps me to fight depression is deep cleaning the house. This may sound a like a weird and un-enjoyable activity, but it really does help. I find that a clean house helps me to feel like I have some control of my life. In talking with other people who have depression, I have found that a clean house helps them as well. Now, this doesn't mean the house has to be spotless. It just means that all the clutter is put away and surfaces are clean.
A third activity which helps me to fight depression is sitting outside and reading. I find that the bright sunlight can instantly help improve my mood. If reading isn't your thing, there are many other activities you could do outside. It isn't so much what you are doing, but being outside which helps.
There are many other things that I do, but these are the three main activities that helps my depression.
One of the ways I deal with my depression is to exercise. I'm sure you have heard it many times before, but it truly is something that can help. Not only is exercising great to get the endorphins moving through the body, but also helps with my self-image. I'm not sure about you, but sometimes my depression gets worse when I am feeling down about myself and how I look. Working on improving my physical appearance lifts my mood and gives me a feeling that not everything is hopeless.
Another activity that helps me to fight depression is deep cleaning the house. This may sound a like a weird and un-enjoyable activity, but it really does help. I find that a clean house helps me to feel like I have some control of my life. In talking with other people who have depression, I have found that a clean house helps them as well. Now, this doesn't mean the house has to be spotless. It just means that all the clutter is put away and surfaces are clean.
A third activity which helps me to fight depression is sitting outside and reading. I find that the bright sunlight can instantly help improve my mood. If reading isn't your thing, there are many other activities you could do outside. It isn't so much what you are doing, but being outside which helps.
There are many other things that I do, but these are the three main activities that helps my depression.
This article is titled what makes my depression better, but this article is more for you than it is for me. It is time now to help you deal with depression and make life worth living. There are many who would tell you that when you are depressed, down and out that you should go see a doctor or take a whole lot medication because there is something wrong with you like it’s a disease. Well if it is then we all have it several times a week even. See the truth is everybody gets depressed. Life has its highs and lows, ups and downs, and many times a day we are disappointed that things didn’t go quite our way. Believe it or not sometime or another we have all had the feeling that life sucks you are not the only one and being able to realize that you are not alone or strange in any way is the first step in dealing with depression.
Next I want to tell you medications are not the only way to deal with depression. There are many healthier ways to improve your quality of life. One such way is by changing your diet. If you eat a lot junk food then try eating more fruits and vegetables and foods high in protein. These foods are known to give you energy and help you become alert and stay that way unlike foods loaded with sugar and caffeine that give you energy high and have you crash later.
Finally because you are not alone you will be able to relate with people feel exactly the way you do. Try socializing and hanging with friends who are willing and able to help you through the tough times. Nobody gets through this journey we call life alone and you shouldn’t either. This is what makes my depression better.
Next I want to tell you medications are not the only way to deal with depression. There are many healthier ways to improve your quality of life. One such way is by changing your diet. If you eat a lot junk food then try eating more fruits and vegetables and foods high in protein. These foods are known to give you energy and help you become alert and stay that way unlike foods loaded with sugar and caffeine that give you energy high and have you crash later.
Finally because you are not alone you will be able to relate with people feel exactly the way you do. Try socializing and hanging with friends who are willing and able to help you through the tough times. Nobody gets through this journey we call life alone and you shouldn’t either. This is what makes my depression better.
After awhile, I've been able to notice the signs that I am getting depressed. Personally some of these are being very tired after a good nights sleep, mood changes and overeating. For some people, insomnia is a sign of depression but not for me. I sleep more when I'm depressed. I also become extremely moody. I am irritable, I snap at the slightest bit of aggravation, and I am very short with people, any people in fact. Also, unlike some, I overeat when I am depressed. It's something that makes me feel better, and that I have control over.
Depression for me, feels like I've lost all control. And control, to me, is what makes a life, a life. I will notice feeling like I've tried as hard as I can, but I've lost that control. Other signs of my depression are not wanting to get out, or talk to people. I sometimes, become ill. I will get a stomach ache and a head ache. Both that last for days at a time.
When I notice the signs of depression I always try to tell someone. I try to tell a close family member. That person will then try to make me get out and get my mind off of whatever is bothering me. They will try to cheer me up, and keep me happy. They also understand the mood swings. So, even if I am grouchy, they know why, and they understand, and still try to help.
It's always important to know the symptoms of depression. They may be different for everyone, but I am able to recognize the signs that I am depressed. I can take charge of my depression by noticing the early signs.
Depression for me, feels like I've lost all control. And control, to me, is what makes a life, a life. I will notice feeling like I've tried as hard as I can, but I've lost that control. Other signs of my depression are not wanting to get out, or talk to people. I sometimes, become ill. I will get a stomach ache and a head ache. Both that last for days at a time.
When I notice the signs of depression I always try to tell someone. I try to tell a close family member. That person will then try to make me get out and get my mind off of whatever is bothering me. They will try to cheer me up, and keep me happy. They also understand the mood swings. So, even if I am grouchy, they know why, and they understand, and still try to help.
It's always important to know the symptoms of depression. They may be different for everyone, but I am able to recognize the signs that I am depressed. I can take charge of my depression by noticing the early signs.