Six Ways to Combat Depression
Twice in my life, I suffered from long bouts of depression. Each time, I saw no end in sight. Everyday I woke up feeling terrible. It was a struggle to get out of bed in the morning. Each time, I thought my life would always be that way.
As I write this, I feel like it sounds too cliché. Everything you read about depression starts like that, but it’s true. That’s the way it feels.
I’m writing this post, because today is a lovely fall day and I walked to the bank and the library. The sky was clear and the air was crisp. I found myself thinking, “This is great. This is a perfect day.” Looking back on my life now it’s so hard for me to believe that I was ever depressed.
My depression started when I was 16. It wasn’t constant then, but at the time, I was sad more often than I was happy. When I was 19, I became deeply depressed and remained depressed for almost a year. When I was 22, after a few years being depression free, depression crept back into my life for a little less than a year. I’ve been free from depression since that time. I’m sad sometimes, everyone is, but it’s not the crippling sadness that I felt before.
Depression falls into a variety of categories. You can read about them here.
There is Hope
Many people suffer from depression. Many take their lives because of it. This suffering and lose of life is unnecessary, because no matter how hopeless it may seem and no matter how dark life may be, there is hope. Depression isn’t a permanent state. You may not see an end to it now, but you’ll make it out the other side. Here are some things that you can do to combat your depression.
Massage–You could’ve guessed that. Depression has physical symptoms. You can feel achy, almost flu-like. Massage eases general achiness. It also causes the body to release endorphins which are happy hormones. It can help by making you feel pampered and cared for. Self-massage also helps. Try massaging yourself every morning. Sign up for my health newsletter here and get a free guide about various forms of self-massage.
Exercise–It may be hard to get out and do, but exercise does a lot to cure depression. Getting aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week will really help. If you need motivation hire a personal trainer or exercise with a friend.
Eat Right–You already know what I’m going to write, but I’ll right it again just in case. Eating whole unprocessed foods really effects your mood. Also take a good multivitamin and make sure you’re getting enough omega-3 fats.
Get Out–I know winter is steadily approaching, but getting out in the sun is another great mood booster. Nothing beats physical exercise outside on a beautiful day.
Service–Do something nice for someone else. You can start small and work your way up. Offering help to others can help you recognize that you have something valuable to contribute in this world. Here’s a post I wrote about the joy you can feel by serving others.
Get Spiritually Connected–I’m a Mormon and was raised my whole life with the idea that I’m a daughter of God and He loves me. That was an abstract thing that I didn’t take very seriously until I was in my late twenties. Then suddenly one day it really took hold, and I realized that it was true. No one here on this Earth is worth more than anyone else. You are important and loved. Take time to figure out what spirituality means to you. As you do you’ll have a deeper appreciation for yourself and others.
These are just some things that can help with depression. I’m not a doctor, so if you feel suicidal get help. Here is a really good website I found about depression.
Photo by Steve Fernandez.
Thank you so much for your advice on depression- even though I knew a lot of these solutions already, it’s good to be reminded. When you are in the depression, it is easy to stay in the funk and forget that there are things that can be done to improve how you feel.
You’re right about that. I know when I was struggling with depression, it was so hard for me to even think straight, yet alone figure out what I could do to help myself.
What an interesting blog. I think it is difficult for someone who has not suffered from serious deep depression to understand. There are moments when you feel you can only talk about it with someone who can truly relate. There are those who commonly express, “I know how you feel”, but little do they know they it’s far worse than they think.
Thanks for the advice on seeking help with getting meds on AOL.
Abell934
When I was depressed I often felt that people didn’t really understand how difficult it was. Talking to someone who has experienced it does make things a lot easier.
[...] presents Six Ways to Combat Depression posted at The Art of Balanced [...]
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