Tips for Overcoming Depression
I got this Useful Message from the website.
What is Depression?
In behavioral terms, depression is when the gross (total) level of observable activity is low. Depression is what happens to you when you are unhappy and you don't know why. Depression is an illness that affects everybody but takes a heavy toll on the affected ones.
What causes Depression?
It can be caused because of a number of reasons like:
* Break up
* Death of a family or friend
* Health complications
* Being financially unstable etc.
What are the Symptoms?
There are numerous symptoms like:
* Loss of interest
* Loss of motivation
* Changes in sleep pattern
* No energy, easily fatigued
* Appetite change
* Anxiety dreams
* Feeling restless
* Unable to remember things
* No self worth
* Difficulty making decisions
* Low self-esteem
* Very sensitive and easily hurt
* Headaches
What can I do about it?
Here are some ways you can fight depression on your own:
1. Eat smart:
A healthy diet not only fuels your body, but it also helps you feel better. Some studies suggest omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 may help ease mood changes such as depression. So increase the intake of oily fish (like salmon, mackerel and tuna), flaxseed, walnuts and low-fat dairy products in your diet. Add more low-fat carbs to help lift you out of a blue mood. Avoid sugary foods as they lead to a sharp drop in blood sugars later on and this leads to energy and mood slumps.
2. Avoid alcohol:
Many people turn to alcohol when they are depressed or stressed. But alcohol can make your depression worse and interfere with the medicines you take for depression. Avoiding alcohol when you are depressed gives you a better chance of recovering from depression.
3. Exercise:
Outdoor exercise is a key element in recovery so take up an exercise program. Exercise is a great way to get a natural high. You don't need to train for the marathon. Important thing is to choose an exercise you enjoy, so you'll look forward to it and feel better when you do it. For example, try playing tennis, riding a bike, swimming, or even going out for a short walk. You can also exercise with others for support. This will help overcome the exhaustion and loneliness of depression.
4. Get enough sunlight:
You may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) if you feel more depressed during cold and darker months when there's less sunlight. So, get out and sit in the sunlight for at least 10 minutes. Sunlight helps to reduce stress, improve your mood, and help you cope.
5. Get enough sleep:
So many people are so over-tired and stressed that they find it difficult to sleep. Sleep regulation is important, when trying to fight depression. Anyone suffering from depression should make sure that they have a healthy and stable sleep pattern. Start by going to bed and getting up the same time each day.
6. Socialize:
When you're depressed, it feels more comfortable to retreat into your shell. But being around other people will make you feel less depressed. Socializing has a positive effect and removes some of the negative self-scrutiny that accompanies alone time. Getting connected to others is key to feeling better. That may means using the phone or getting out, even once a day, to have a social contact.
7. Keep yourselves busy:
When you are active, your mind has the chance to wander and focus on negative thoughts. Do the things you love like taking a stroll in the park, participating in your favorite sports, reading books, or engaging in any activity that you have passion for and would love to pursue. You can also play with your pet to take your mind off your problems.
8. Relax:
Remind yourself to relax in all situations. Take a break from your stressful workload and spend the day just goofing around. In other words, have some fun like listening to soothing music or a nice warm bath. You can also consider joining a yoga or meditation class to mentally relax yourself.
Recovering from depression is not exactly the easiest thing in the world. But support from family and friends can have a big and positive influence throughout a depression sufferer's treatment and recovery.
