On Healthy Living

Depression is real. It can be mild or severe. It can cause a few disruptions in life or cause one to completely shut down. Depression can be derived from a variety of factors and cause a variety of symptoms. Those suffering from depression may have a decreased appetite, lose interest in activities they normally love, lack energy, sleep excessively, have suicidal thoughts or suffer from insomnia. The list goes on.

For those suffering from chronic or severe depression, guidance from your doctor is needed, but there are ways you can help with the battle against depression.

Tips:

*  If you are on any kind of medication, check with your doctor to see if it may be causing depression. Depression can be a side effect of many medications.

*  Keep your mind active. An inactive mind allows a breeding ground for negative thoughts. Share your thoughts and ideas with others. Read uplifting and inspirational books, poetry or articles. Keep a journal or write about interesting things you’ve experienced through the years.

*  Become aware of negative thoughts that add to your depression. When you are depressed, negative thoughts come with the territory, but doing everything you can to ward off negative thoughts is helpful. Don’t minimize your accomplishments, your purpose or what you have to offer to others. Place value on yourself and even the smallest of accomplishments.

*  Turn to your Higher Power. For me that is God. Knowing there is a Higher Power that offers strength and comfort beyond what any mortal can offer is very helpful.

*  Be realistic with your expectations. Maybe you feel like a failure because you don’t have what you want or aren’t where you feel you should be in life. Learn to focus on what you can control and let go of what you have no control over.

*  Don’t isolate yourself. Depression can make you feel like hiding from the world. You may feel like no one cares, but this isn’t true. Reach out. Keeping secret what you are going through only makes it worse.

*  Eat nutritious meals and eat regularly. Having the right nutrients will help your body fight whatever causes it to be under stress. You may not have much of an appetite, but try to eat something or maybe vitamin-enriched drinks like Ensure.

*  Get outside more. Depression can make you feel paralyzed to the point going outside may seem a world away. Do a little at a time. Even if you sit outside for a few minutes, it will help. Being among nature, even if in your back yard can be uplifting.

*  When everyday tasks feel monumental, break them down into small steps. Prioritize what you need to take care of. Embrace the sense of accomplishment instead of focusing on what you haven’t accomplished.

*  Exercise. Getting motivated to exercise can feel impossible when you are suffering from depression. But, by breaking exercise down into small steps, it becomes a bit easier. Enlisting an exercise buddy can be a great motivator.

* If at all possible, help others. By helping others, we feel a sense of purpose and value. It also allows us to get outside of our own problems, even if temporarily.

While these methods might not be a cure for depression, they can help win the battle!

Kathy Dove wrote this on May 15th, 2008 and filed it under Healthy Living, Women's Health, Mental Health, Men's Health |