Being depressed truly affects much more than just your mood. It also affects the quality of your entire life and your ability to function well. It can strain your relationships with the people around you, too. Continue reading to learn intelligent ways of handling depression, and make immediate improvements in your life.
Don’t let yourself get trapped in a downward spiral of depression. Continually replaying negative thoughts in your head can make depression even worse. Look on the bright side of things, and redirect those around you to do the same.
Clinical depression is different than someone who feels sad, but some of the same treatments may be used. Avoid things that trigger your depression. Do what everything possible to avoid any person, action or event that always triggers depressive feelings in you.
Although it is difficult, it is important to keep in mind that you have the power to control your thoughts. Try to stop using the words “depressed” and “depression” altogether. “Depressed” is a word filled with negative connotations and can lead to negative thinking. When ever possible, substitute other phrases, such as low mood, blue, etc.
Reliving your past constantly can make your depression worse; looking ahead to your future can bring positivity into your life. As the old saying goes “where there is hope there is life,” and a bright future provides hope.
Try dressing up to feel better about yourself and to avoid feeling depressed. Put on a nice outfit, fix your hair and go out and socialize. You don’t even need a specific reason such as going to church or to a club, do it simply to feel better about yourself. When you do something to improve how you look and to make yourself feel more attractive, it will have amazing effects on your feelings, and help overcome your depression.
You should consider how the music you enjoy may affect your moods. Don’t listen to music that makes you sad or reminds you of sad memories. This kind of music will make you remember bad feelings and dwell on them.
Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers in the home can be a great mood lifter. The smells and colors are pleasant to species like humans. Remember this, and attempt to set out or view fresh flowers every day.
Should your physician prescribe antidepressants for your depression, always follow the medication guidelines. Do not take less or more than what you are instructed by your doctor, and don’t stop taking your medication unless you are told to stop. Anti-depressant weaning is often necessary, and stopping cold turkey can have negative effects.
Committing yourself to a positive philosophy under any circumstances can be a valuable tactic in fighting depression. This is critical because staying positive helps you keep in the right frame of mind to effectively handle any challenges that may come up.
When depression has you really low, you need to stay away from caffeine. There are studies that have proven caffeine can worsen depression. If you drink a lot of soda or coffee, think about changing to a decaffeinated version of the drinks you enjoy.
Being depressed is difficult and challenging. People who do not understand what you are going through just make this worse. Using these tips, you can retake power over your life to get your depression under control, even without a solid support network. When you have determination and make an effort, you’ll have better days in the future.
