As many as 1 in 10 people suffer from depression within the period of a year, and a third of those people don't seek treatment. For those who do seek professional help, there is a high success rate and many people start to feel better within weeks. If, however, you are one of the people who doesn't have access to medication or counseling services, here are some tips to help you feel better about yourself and to start managing depression.
There are steps you can take to try and handle depression yourself. Maybe you can't afford professional treatment, or you just can't face going to see somebody about your problems. While it is advised that you seek treatment if your condition worsens or you experience feelings of wanting to harm yourself or others, there are some self-help remedies you can try for yourself to treat mild depression.
Establishing a healthy routine of eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep every night can make a huge difference. The body needs at least eight hours of sleep to re-energize itself, but a lot of people get only 5-6 hours of sleep each night. Making sure that your body is getting the rest that it needs is one of the first steps you can take while managing depression or bouts of feeling low. Set a bed time for yourself and leave yourself enough time to get at least eight hours of sleep, and you should start to see a difference. Eating healthily can also help to refresh the body and mind. Take a look at your diet and find out if there are any changes that you can make to eat healthier.
Regular exercise is another good way to effectively treat mild depression. Going for a regular walk or run can not only have a positive effect on your body and overall physical health, but it's a good way to clear your head and refresh the mind. Incorporate some light exercise into your routine to help you in terms of managing depression.
Surrounding yourself with people who have a positive influence on your life is another big step to take. Erasing negativity and spending time with those who make you feel good and who you enjoy being around can really boost your mood and help you get a handle on your depression. Make a conscious effort to surround yourself with a supportive group of family and friends who understand what you're going through and will be there for you during rough phases.
Listening to music can also help treat mild depression. Make a playlist of songs that inspire you, or make you happy, and listen to them on a regular basis. Music is a powerful tool and has the ability to evoke emotion more than any other art form. Connecting with artists or specific songs that speak to you and motivate you is another good step to managing depression. Avoid songs with deep lyrics that may upset you, and focus on the other end of the spectrum. Listen to upbeat music with lyrics that drive you to be the best that you can be.
Managing depression is not an easy thing, and if you find yourself feeling worse, or having feelings of self-harm or suicide, it is important that you seek help from a professional. The above guidelines will not cure clinical depression and are only tips to help treat mild depression from home.
No comments:
Post a Comment