Overcoming Depression -
10 Easy Steps.
Whether you are suffering from mild depression that is temporary and directly related to events that are happening in your life or you have been fighting depression for years, you should know that there is a lot of options to help you coping with depression. Overcoming depression is never the same for different people and you will find that when you really want to beat the depression demon, there are a few things that you have to consider.
Exploring the ways of coping with depression, no options should be taken off the table. Although most people are familiar with traditional depression medications, far too few are aware of other options available. This is lamentably because these alternative treatments for depression can be very effective.
Coping with depression is not as easy but it is important to remember that there is a hope in getting better. The first step you should take in overcoming depression is to consult your family doctor if the medication you are taking can be you depression cause. You probably know that there are certain medicines that could actually make you feeling depressed, to name a few, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and many others. It also may be possible that you have some kind of medical condition which can make you feeling depressed. If you are considering taking any type of medication investigate first the side effects and in the case of anti-depressants ask about the possibility of weight gain and how it may affect your sex life.
Coping with depression, remember that "You haven't lost your smile at all, it's right under your nose. You just forgot it was there."
Here are some practical advises that may help you to cope or manage episodes of depression in your life.
1. Recognise and acknowledge it.
Recognise that life is full of ups and downs and even though for now you may be feeling unable to cope, it will not last forever. Know that you are not a failure because of being depressed; you are brave enough to address it and fight to overcome it.
2. Slow down your life pace.
You may consider slowing down a little. Getting enough rest and sleep
are important things in coping with depression. A stressful life with
too much work or activities can lead to a variety of depression symptoms. Recent studies show that sleeping disorders, such as insomnia, can contribute generously to depression.
3. Be aware of thoughts aimed at yourself.
You will just add to depression if getting up in the morning you are thinking of how depressed you are and how difficult life is. Try to focus on the positive. There for sure is at least one good thing in your world. Think about it when you are feeling depressed and of how lucky you are to have it.
4. Avoid depressing triggers.
Consider turning off the news in the morning or at night before you go to bed. Hearing about or watching tragic events can cause feelings of fear and sadness for some people. In the morning when you wake up and in the evening just before you fell asleep are often the times when sub consciousness is most receptive to information. Be careful not to listen to old songs, look at old photos or visit places that trigger memories of sad events. Focus on people, places and things that tend to lift your mood rather than bring you down.
5. Develop an attitude of gratefulness.
Many people feel depressed when they look at the negative events in their life. Get somebody to help you and pull you up each time you begin to complain about something. Find one thing every day to be grateful about. Use the wrist band technique. There is a story of a minister who asked his congregation to put a rubber band on their right wrist. Whenever they complained about something or criticized someone they had to switch the wrist band from their right wrist to their left. This may increase your awareness as to how often you are complaining which definitely will affect your outlook and mood.
6. Avoid substances that can cause mood swings.
Such foods and drinks as alcohol, caffeine and high sugar foods can contribute to depression symptoms. Be careful of the sugar-carbo cycle. Sometimes foods which are high in sugar or carbohydrates such as breads and pastas may take you on a real mood roller coaster making you feel good for a short period of time and then sending you to an emotional crash.7. Keep yourself busy.
When you are active, your mind has no chance to wander and focus on negative thoughts that cause you feeling depressed. Find something that you love to do, something you are passionate about. When you find your passion, get busy working on it and keep your mind busy.
8. Exercise regularly.
Outdoor exercise is a key element in overcoming depression. If you are sitting in a dark room all day long watching TV, it won't make you feel any better about yourself! Get out at least once a day into the fresh air and sunlight. Go for a walk for about 20 minutes or a jog. If you are on medication, always consult your doctor before starting up a regular exercise regime.
9. Do something for someone else.
When you are feeling depressed, usually all you thoughts are focused on you. Turn your attention to somebody far worse off then you and start reaching out to them. It will do you so much good because it takes your attention off your own problems and helps you practically help somebody else in the midst of your own pain. But realize that you can't make everyone happy. We cannot control and regulate the emotional states of others for a long time. Be careful not to become so involved that your emotional state is based upon others happiness.
10. Use herbal remedies.
Herbal remedies can be very effective in helping treat mild to moderate depression. Natural antidepressants are a great option because they tend to have fewer side effects than conventional depression medications and they tend to be less expensive.
As you can see from above, there is far more options than just medications for depression. By keeping these natural treatments for depression in mind, more people can get a better chance at overcoming depression.
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