How to Overcome Depression
With the recession, there are many struggling financially and emotionally. With challenges in life, people become susceptible to depression – I know from personal experience. But there is hope – there is a way to overcome depression in one’s life. How do I do this you ask? Here are some steps to help you overcome depression:
– Take a shower in the morning. I cannot tell you how much it has helped me to start my day with a hot shower, which relaxes me, and gets the ball rolling – ya know, doing my makeup and hair and getting dressed.
– Let the sunlight in. Depression will just linger if you don’t let natural light into your home. Open up the blinds and the windows and let some fresh air in.
– Listen to uplifting music. When you are feeling depressed, the last thing you need to be listening to are depressing songs about drugs, suicide, etc. Listen to uplifting music. Heck, turn on the Beach Boys or some classical instrumental music. I love country music, but if you are feeling depressed, this might not help you to feel happier – lol!
– Eat something. Get some healthy food in your body. Eat some fruit or cereal in the morning. Drink plenty of water. Don’t eat only junk food and chocolate. Fuel your body with healthy and nutritious foods. (**Please note – I ♥ chocolate and am not saying “no chocolate,” I’m just saying chocolate in moderation)
– Talk to somebody. Whether it’s counseling services or a friend, a lot of times talking helps us to get the negative feelings out (like dumping water out of a cup). Once we’ve said them out loud, we tend to feel a little better. A counselor can also help you to set goals and figure out why you are feeling depressed, which will help you to overcome your depression. For instance, if you are a veteran who is experiencing depression, then you may want to speak to a professional counselor for veterans depression treatment.
– Exercise. When you exercise, it not only helps you physically, but also emotionally. Exercising may help boost your confidence. It will also serve as a distraction, taking you out of your dwelling where depression can fester. It also gives you the opportunity to interact with others, also serving as a distraction from depression.
– Antidepressants. Antidepressants may be what you need for a little while until you get on the right path again. I feel like antidepressants should not be used solely, but in conjunction with counseling. In addition to medicines, people with depression may also benefit from treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Great tips! I’ve suffered from depression nearly all my life.
I sometimes get depressed over different things in my life, things that’ve happened. I’m glad I have the LORD in my life otherwise, I don’t know what I’d do without Him!! These are great tips to help people out.
I think that depression is skimmed over too lightly. Many times people just say “get over it” when “it” is undefinable. I think that one thing that really helps is having friends, and it’s so important that we be a friend to those around us so we’re there when they need us most, which is when they usually don’t want to ask for us!
2. Seriously, this is TRUE! When I let in the sunlight in my room, it’s like something shifts. Although I have to take that first step to open the curtains cause sometimes I just don’t want to.
5. I’m still looking for a counselor. Unfortunately with LD, no one UNDERSTANDS so it’s hard to try to get them to understand.
6. I used to exercise all the time when I was depressed-It was amazing how much exercise could make me do a 180. The bad part is as I grew sicker, I couldn’t exercise the way I wanted to anymore so that would put me deeper =/
7. I can’t take anti-depressants. They have an opposite reaction in me >.<
All of those things you mentioned definitely help when I am down or having a bad day. Unfortunately, the depression at least in me makes it impossible for me to get myself to do any of these things, even if I know they will make me feel better.
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You guys do a great blog, and have some great contests. Keep up the good work.
Great tips for trying to raise an otherwise funky mood.
But like others have also said, often when depression is at it’s worst, it’s hard to conjure up the mobility, the emotion, the energy to even try.
Some days it’s just one foot in front of the other, moment to moment.
I do find music lifts my soul, the feel of sunshine on my face makes me begin to smile – even if for a moment. Talking to the right counselor – the RIGHT one for YOU – is so very important.
Anti-depressants are also often needed in conjunction with therapy. So very important as the two go hand in hand.
Like one of the ladies indicated – sometimes we skim to lightly over the word “depression” it has resounding effects on our lives, and those of the lives around us. It is forever changing, a season sometimes without end. It is serious, not to be “suck it up” “you’ll get over it” “do something” “smile” “laugh” or “it will pass” – for some of us, it’s a daily fight and we are long past the point of “sucking it up” we’ve already done that for far too long.
Thanks for the post… From someone who has been there, still suffering from it, and is now under a doctor’s care and medicated, I can tell you that everything you said it totally true. Although it can be very hard to actually MAKE yourself do these things. That is why it is very important that all of us try to help those around us. I am so thankful that I had friends and a husband that were and still are there for me to help me when I need the help.