Dealing with depression

When you have depression, you can find ways to take control of your life and manage your treatment even beyond medications.

Making some lifestyle changes can boost your mood and help alleviate many of your symptoms, including low self-esteem.

1. Sleep Well. Getting plenty of rest every night is a must for your mood. People with depression often have noticeable sleep disturbances , they either sleep too much or not enough. Go to bed and wake up on a regular schedule.


2. Enjoy the Emotional Benefits of Exercise. Exercise offers physiological benefits that can help people going through depression. Physical activity relieves stress and can make you feel great.


3. Say No to Liquor. Alcohol isn’t the answer when you’re struggling with depression, but many people turn to liquor to attempt to escape their illness. A healthy lifestyle is needed to manage depression, and avoiding drugs and alcohol is one key to a healthy lifestyle.


4. Stay involved. Push yourself to stay involved with your friends. Social connections can help keep you from spiraling downward into deeper depression and from becoming isolated and alone with your thoughts. Go to the movies or just catch up with a close friend it might lift your spirits


5. Make the Food and Mood Connection. Some studies have shown that a higher daily intake of omega-3s, can improve your mood. Eating a healthy diet can make you feel healthy and attractive which improves self esteem.


6. Depend on Others. Friends and family can help you feel better about yourself when depression brings you down. Allow yourself to lean on loved ones when you need them.


7. Stick to a Schedule. Schedule an activity that you have to do every day. Make it one you really enjoy and aim for as much balance as possible in your life.


8. Talk to a Therapist. Working with a therapist is often an important part of successfully managing depression. Among the issues that you can address together are how to improve your self-esteem, switch from negative to positive thinking, and practice stress management.


9. Boost Your Self-Image. Making lifestyle changes that can improve your self-esteem, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and spending time with friends who make you feel good about yourself.


10. Express Yourself in Writing. Writing in a journal is great therapy and can help you manage depression. You can relieve stress by being open about your thoughts, feelings, and concerns in your writing and stress management is an important part of living well with depression.

Source: Everyday Health