If you’re reading this, then you or someone you love struggles with depression. Depression can be an overwhelming feeling and millions of people suffer from this disorder every year. While that is a sad situation it means you are not alone! Here are 6 ways to push back on the feelings and lethargy related to depression.
1.Eat Something
People struggling with depression can swing wildly from not eating at all, not eating enough or binge eating. One way to adjust your metabolic process which can result in improved neurological activity and a reduction of depressive symptoms is to eat right, and eat the right things. Now what is the right thing? The arguments on “proper diet” are vast, but just keep the mindset of moderation, less fast food and regular schedule. You don’t need to eat like an Olympic athlete just eat better.
2. Move your Body
Exercise is the number one producer of positive emotions you can do for yourself, but exercise can be an overwhelming thought. For this step you really need to just move your body, go for a walk, do 20 minutes of stretching while you watch T.V. just move! If you can get some solid exercise in, thats even better.
3. Hygiene
Groom yourself, I know it is hard to feel motivated, but get ready for the day like you have a date with the most important person in your life. Shower, brush your teeth, comb your hair, put on makeup/style a beard, anything that you would do for a “hot date”. Why is this important, well if we look like we feel our brain continues to send these signals, if we look better than we feel (often the action of just getting ready) can cause a shift in chemical production even the smallest amount can have a great outcome on your feelings.
4.Reach out
Call people who are special to you, ask for something funny to watch, reminisce about funny stories, this is “laughter is the best medicine” concept and the best way to do that is with friends and family even if it’s on the phone. If you can muster the energy to go to them and get out of your environment for a few hours, then even better.
5.Journal
Write your feelings down, write your thoughts down, track your thinking and feeling and look for patterns that exist. Finding subtle clues to your thought/feel/act routine can give you some sense of control which can return a feeling of autonomy to your life and positive feelings usually follow this feeling of freedom no matter how small.
6.Pray
Using a higher power is a powerful tool. Turn your problems over to a deity, as a Christian I clearly recommend finding Christ and asking for his help, but in all honesty, any faith with a deity concept can help to reduce feelings of depression by simply turning your will over and asking for help (you’re not alone!)
7.B-B-B-Bonus Round
Go to therapy, finding a therapist who can help you sort out cognitive distortions and irrational thoughts that may be keeping you stuck ruminating.
That is 6 (now 7) ways to help reduce depressive symptoms. Depression is a very serious condition and if you or a loved one is struggling with depression, please seek professional guidance from a trained professional! I am simply writing this to assist you with some quick self-help tips to make today better, not cure you through a blog post!