Finding Your Way Through Depression
When depression takes over your life, it feels like nothing is going your way. The situation simply snow-balls, getting bigger and bigger until it completely rules your thought process and moods. This isn't healthy, and you shouldn't have to live under such conditions. Get proactive about your depression and start beating it, rather than the other way around.
1. Start working out regularly. Exercise can pull you out of a mental slump, by getting endorphins circulating and giving you a reason to feel good about yourself. Try doing a little bit every day, and use powerful music to lift your spirits.
2. Eat better. You are what you eat, and if you live off fast food and macaroni and cheese, that's not going to help with your depression. Cut out some of the foods in your diet that are highest in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats; replace them with fresh and wholesome foods. This should boost your mood and help you feel like you are taking care of yourself better.
3. Deal with problems without dwelling on them. No matter what the reason is that is causing you to feel down, it should be addressed. If there is something you can do to resolve the situation, do it. Avoid mulling and moping over it 24/7, as that will only worsen your symptoms of depression.
4. Talk things over. Call your mom or best friend and tell them how you are feeling. The chat fest will help alleviate the pressure you are feeling by keeping it all bottled up. And who knows, maybe they will be able to offer you a solution that you are not able to see right now. If you don't feel like talking, try writing everything down in a notebook, and don't hold anything back.
5. Start expressing how you feel. When something does something that hurts or offends you, it's important to let them know. Failure to stick up for yourself will lead to suppressing your emotions and this can feed depression. With dignity and poise, start practicing the different ways you can communicate your feelings without causing more problems for yourself. This will have a very therapeutic effect on your state of mind.
6. Try seeing the good. Although this is much easier said than done, looking on the bright side can boost you right out of the blues. Force yourself if you have to, but keep trying to find the good in people and the positive angles on different situations. Focus on that good to keep you going.
7. Talk to a therapist. If you find your depression lasting too long or getting severe, see a professional. They can help you get to the bottom of your problems quickly. Depression can unfortunately lead to other health and wellness complications that you're better off avoiding. Sometimes a professional is just what the doctor ordered.
It doesn't take long for depression to completely take over your life and rule your entire thought process. If your outlook is dimmed by depression, take action! The sooner you get it under control, things will start looking up.
