Scores of individuals deal with depression every day, playing out through stress and worry, lack of sleep, appetite swings and often suicidal tendencies. If you are suffering from depression, there is help for you. Use these helpful tips to help you fight depression and live a happier life.
When you are trying to improve your depression symptoms, remember that it is a long road. Some people think that depression can be cured right away, and get disappointed when their symptoms do not go away right away. Stay focused and be proud when each symptom slowly does go away.
Go back to activities you used to enjoy, even if you don’t feel like it. Going through the motions of a fun activity, such as painting or playing a sport, can help you feel more energetic. You might find that are truly enjoying the activity after all, once you get started.
If your depression is relatively mild in nature, you might want to consider OTC remedies. For example, either grape juice or St. St. John’s wart shows positive impacts on the mental state of depression sufferers. It is also cheaper than the more common prescription therapy.
Have realistic expectations. Often depressed people fixate on some unrealistic goal that they believe will cure their depression. For some it is money, for others it may be longing for an idealistic Mr. or Miss. “Right” to spend the rest of their life with. While having a goal is good, keep it realistic. Instead of being unhappy with your current job and longing to win the lottery, take college courses or a vocational program to increase your income potential. If you are lonely, get out and get involved with activities you enjoy. Even if you don’t meet someone, you will have fun; and if you do meet someone, they are much more likely to have similar interests to you unlike a random stranger in a bar.
Experiencing depression when you have a small child can be exceptionally difficult. This is because they are unlikely to understand why mommy or daddy is so sad all the time. While you don’t want to hide your problem from them you also don’t want to expose them to your negativity.
Healthier
Get enough sleep, typically 8 hours per night, with a 6 hour minimum. There are many studies that have concluded that sleep patterns have a lot to do with mood and behavior, and those that aren’t getting enough sleep have a higher chance of becoming depressed. Rest is essential for the brain to function healthier, and you want to be sure that you aren’t clouded by fatigue throughout the day.
Develop and practice effective relaxation exercises or practices. Whether lying in a tub that is filled with aromatic beads or using Yoga to relax your mind, you want to keep a clear head and refrain from discomfort in order to avoid a depressed mood. With relaxation comes enlightenment and a much healthier mood.
Don’t allow the more serious conditions to take hold if you suffer from depression. Before you fall victim to things like eating disorders and suicidal thoughts, use the tips you’ve read here to rise above the depression and to once again experience the joy of living. Take depression seriously, and work to defeat it.