Depression Support Groups II
Online Depression Forums II
Depression & Exercise II
Depression & Diet II
Dealing with Depression II
Herbal Remedy for
Depression II
Depression Therapy
II
Coping II
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Depression Cure
Coping With
Depression.
Coping with the intense discomfort of depression takes a concerted
effort. “One day at a time” is the mantra when dealing with
depression until the darkness passes. There are a number of
strategies, self-help coping techniques and habits to help when
coping with depression. Many of these techniques may even help
ward off a depressive episode before it takes hold.
Diet modifications, exercise, meditation,
psychotherapy, the use of natural antidepressants and preventive
lifestyle changes are of the many strategies for coping with
depression. Many of these depression coping techniques will not be
easy in the beginning. Some will be downright difficult. They will
require discipline and diligence. The reward of lightened spirits
will be worth the effort of digging your way out of a depressive
episode.
“It’s all about me” caring is the attitude to embrace when coping
with depression. There will be plenty of time later to take care
of everyone else. For now, whatever can be done to coddle and
nurture yourself should be done.
Coping With Depression: Nurturing Tips for Coping With
Depression
Exercise: Aerobic and anaerobic exercise have both been
found effective in combating depression. Any activity that
promotes endurance, flexibility or strength can work as a natural
antidepressant. Exercise improves circulation, releases feel-good
endorphins and increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
Diet: A diet balanced in protein,
complex carbohydrates and essential fatty acids is essential to
healthy brain functioning. Conversely, a diet high in simple
carbohydrates can affect depression. The same type of diets that
help prevent cancer and heart disease are also good for the brain,
the mind and mood. This diet includes avoiding processed grains,
sugar and saturated and hydrogenated fats while adding fresh
vegetables and foods high in Omega 3 essential fatty acids like
cold-water fish, flax oil, beans and dark leafy green vegetables.
Breathe: With stress and depression so
closely intertwined, breathing methods designed to reduce stress
will also help calm depression. At the first feelings of stress,
stop everything, close your eyes and focus your breathing. Inhale
deeply and slowly through your nose and exhale slowly and
completely through your mouth. Take about five deep breathes, or
as many is needed to take the edge off of stress.
Be Creative: Creative activity brightens mood and energizes
the soul. Cook, dance, sing in the shower. Make sand castles on
the beach or grab chalk and color up a sidewalk. Do not worry
about how well you do, just do. The act of creating increases
energy levels while providing an outlet for suppressed feelings
and issues.
Journaling: Journaling is one of the
best self-help methods you can use. Write how you feel and what
you are thinking - every day if possible. Journaling allows you to
experience the feelings without keeping them bottled up inside.
The intention behind this depression coping skill is not to
produce Pulitzer Prize-winning copy or to impress others with your
creative writing abilities. You write these journals for yourself
and yourself only, as a method of clearing the mind of negative
thoughts.
Sleep: A regular sleep schedule can,
believe it, help in curing depression. Ideally, your sleep
schedule will follow the natural cycle of the sun, which means
early to bed and early to rise. It will help make you healthy -
and maybe even wealthy and wise.
Prayer/Meditation: Meditation involves
quieting the mind and being open to spiritual guidance. You can’t
hear the "still quiet voice" of God within without setting aside
time for prayer and meditation.
In addition to these self-help coping ideas, psychotherapy is a
crucial part of the coping with depression formula. Treatment,
whether in the form of prescription medication, alternative
treatment or a combination of both, is also important to recovery.
Talk with your health care provider about safe depression
treatment methods like Deprex.
It is important to use as many tools as possible when coping with
depression. Know that this too shall pass and the darkness will
pass much sooner if actively working on dealing with depression.
Take this time to nurture yourself. Coddle your body and mind just
as you would if coping with a physical ailment.
