There are many people out there who are battling depression.
Some symptoms of depression are:
Feeling irritable
Reduced interest in most activities
Significant weight loss or gain
Insomnia or oversleeping
Low energy or fatigue
Feelings of worthlessness
Diminished ability to concentrate
Recurrent thoughts of death/suicide
If anyone has 5 or more of these symptoms in a two week time period I would recommend seeing a therapist and getting medication for it. This is the extreme case of depression which cannot just be ignored or go away on its own.
Most people, on the other hand, have a minor case of depression.
At times I do feel like I get into depressed funks that are just so hard to beat.
If any of you are like me it is really nice to know what can actually help these feelings go away in a natural way.
Here are some tips to fight minor cases of depression.
Sleep and make sure to get enough of it. When you feel fully rested you tend to feel a lot better about different situations in your life.
Exercise. There are physiological endorphins that actually can help you get in a better mood.
Also the sun light can help depressed feelings so if you exercise outside that can be a double whammy.
Start doing yoga. You can join a class, rent yoga videos from the library, or even look up yoga techniques and positions online. Meditating, pondering, relaxing and on a religious perspective - spending time with the Lord can really help you beat those intense and binding depressing feelings.
Help others. It really does help to take a step out of your shoes and make a difference in someone else's life. This doesn't have to be a big thing... it could be anything from a small act of kindness for a friend or family member to taking time to volunteer with those who need it. It doesn't help though to look at everyone who is doing worse than you because it could just make you feel even sadder than you felt before.
Be good to yourself. Read things that help you. Put up motivational thoughts around your house and bedroom that remind you how amazing you really are. Listen to music that makes you feel happy.
Eat well. Having a healthy diet really makes a big difference on your mood. Don't go on a rigid diet but just make a stronger effort to eat lots of fruits and vegetables rather than hamburgers.
Laugh. Watch a funny movie or TV show. Be around people who make you laugh. Too often we don't really take the time to let ourselves laugh. Just do it-- it really feels so good.
In all that you do make a conscious effort to prevent yourself from getting down.
I know you can do it!
Thanks for this Kaylee. As you know, I feel like I get into a depressive slump sometimes (maybe I was your inspiration for this post?) Thanks for the good advice. All of that stuff really does help. One more thing I would add to the list that helped me out of my most recent depression is doing family history work! Its a lot of fun and a good way to connect or re-connect with those from the past. :)
ReplyDeleteYou were partially my inspiration :) haha jk. I did think of you but I do know that you aren't the only one out there who gets depressed... more people do than we know. I love that doing family history work idea! I agree with you -- and I do feel like that goes along with helping others. Thanks for that :)
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