Depression is a common medical condition. Some of the various symptoms are sadness, hopelessness, sleep issues, and over lethargy. It can trigger suicidal thoughts and tendencies and can be very dangerous if the sufferer does not seek help. There are many treatment options and information available for those who suffer with depression.
Consider taking a dietary supplement. Studies have shown that vitamin deficiencies can affect brain function, leading to disorders such as depression. Especially implicated are B vitamins, including folic acid and B-12. A chromium supplement, while not fixing a deficiency, will also help boost energy levels and reduce junk food cravings.
If you are opposed to taking prescription medications for depression, try St. John's Wort. This natural, herbal remedy for depression can be very effective. It works in much the same way as Prozac by increasing the availability of mid-brain serotonin. This helps elevate your mood and alleviate your feelings of sorrow.
When suffering from depression, it is important to create a positive social life. Depressed individuals should work to make their social interactions more positive by showing kindness towards others and taking an interest in other people's lives. Depressed people should tell their friends and loved ones to ignore their depressed behaviors and not take pity on them.
Change the bad habits in your life that keep you depressed. Be ruthlessly honest with yourself as you try to identify what these habits are. Try using positive thinking, assertiveness skills, and problem solving skills to tackle these negative habits and thoughts. Try using humor to deal with life's problems too, instead of letting the negativity drown you.
Have realistic expectations. Often depressed people fixate on some unrealistic goal that they believe will cure their depression. For some it is money, for others it may be longing for an idealistic Mr. or Miss. "Right" to spend the rest of their life with. While having a goal is good, keep it realistic. Instead of being unhappy with your current job and longing to win the lottery, take college courses or a vocational program to increase your income potential. If you are lonely, get out and get involved with activities you enjoy. Even if you don't meet someone, you will have fun; and if you do meet someone, they are much more likely to have similar interests to you unlike a random stranger in a bar.
Don't let your depression interfere with your normal life. Just as people who are having trouble with physical diseases shouldn't stop everything, neither should you stop your life just because you are suffering from this problem. Find ways to motivate yourself to get out of the house and you may even find the your depression greatly reduces.
Do your best to develop and maintain a number of friends, so you do not rely on one good buddy on whom you unload all your problems. When you are depressed, you can drain the mood and emotions of even the closest friend. By sharing with more friends, you can spread this out.
Try to pamper yourself if your depression symptoms are bothering you. Going to a salon to have your nails done or going to a spa to have a massage can help relax your mind and body and thus, reduce your depression symptoms. You may also want to buy yourself a special treat, like a shirt you have been wanting.
Smile at yourself in the mirror even if you are feeling depressed. The simple act of smiling can actually make you feel happier. You can also try laughing hysterically in a ridiculously fake laugh. After a while, that fake smile or fake laugh might turn into a real one once you start to feel silly enough about what you are doing.
If you are mildly depressed or think that you "have the blues" the worst thing you can do is sit at home and think about it. Get out there and have some fun. Find a group to join or a new activity that seems interesting to you.
Consider joining a support group for people suffering from depression. Having a group of peers to talk to who are dealing with many of the same problems you are facing can be a tremendous asset. Additionally, being a part of a group can help reduce any feelings of isolation that you may be experiencing. By providing each other with support, encouragement and understanding, all of the members of your group can benefit.
Depression can affect anyone and can have devastating consequences if it is left untreated. The good news is that depression can be treated and cured through many different techniques such as the ones listed in the article above. Do not hesitate to seek treatment if you think you are suffering from depression or to help a loved one seek treatment if you see symptoms of depression.
Orignal From: How You Can Effectively Fight Depression Without Medications
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