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Self Help and Depression

Just getting through a day can be a struggle for someone suffering from depression. There are different forms of therapy and medication that can help the patient suffering from this disease. They can be used separately or in combination and generally speaking, they will have the biggest impact on someone's healing process.

Nevertheless, there are also self help actions that sufferers of depression can take to help themselves feel better.

For instance:-  

Do activities you enjoy: It is very important for you to keep doing the activities you used to enjoy like walking, shopping or going to a movie. Take a trusted friend along. Even small pleasurable activities will add up.

Exercise: Keep your body healthy with regular exercise. Do whatever you feel like. You can go to a gym; you can do some walking or cycling each day. You will notice that exercise will also have a positive influence on your mental health and overall feeling of well-being.

Set realistic goals: You should plan ahead. But your planning should not lead to (more) disappointment. So if you plan

activities and goals, be sure to make them realistic. They should be SMART goals:- Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Tangible. Realizing your goal will certainly prove to be a mood enhancing factor in your life.

Keep a journal: a diary of your life. Take note of the good and the bad that happens. Make a note of your thoughts. This will help you to know which activities affect you positively or negatively. Writing things down puts the events in perspective. Is your life really that bad? Are there certain patterns you notice in your diary? Is there room for improvement?

Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can make depression much worse.

Do not take (illegal) drugs: These can lead to addiction and substance abuse. In many cases they will not solve the problems you have. More likely they will just add to your problems.  

Recognize early signs of depression: It is very important for you to notice the early signs of depression. Early intervention is always a good thing. Start working on your problems when they are still small. Then treatment can start before your condition worsens or the symptoms become more severe. This will decrease the chance of a further relapse in the future.

Remember, no one is immune to depression. If you know yourself, and the circumstances that may cause depression, you can use self help and avoid those circumstances.

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