Ways to Deal with Depression

Depression can come from a variety of things and the core or the root of depression should be tackled. However, these are some things that will help get you out of a rut in general, extending beyond finding a solution to your core problem.

1. Have/Create a New Routine

Depression can tear away your old (good) habits and make your life staggered and unstructured. Get back on track by recreating this structure or change things up if you feel your current routine is drab or dragging you down.

2. Mini Goals for Greater Goals

It can be easy to lose motivation and lose sight of what you want in life. Creating these mini goals that work toward a larger goal pushes you to live for something that does not feel out of reach and creates the feeling of success along the way.

3. Work Out the Blues

Exercise creates adrenaline and endorphins, feel-good hormones your body naturally produces. Exercising regularly pushes the brain to rewire itself positively.

4. Eat Right, Think Right

What you eat can determine how you feel. Did you know people with depression tend to have a higher Omega 3 to Omega 6 ratio? By consuming more Omega 3, found in fish, you can reduce the ratio and make yourself feel better. Just be sure not to go to the latter extreme!

5. Sufficient Sleep

Depression and lack of sleep is nothing but a downward spiral. Depression can make it hard to fall asleep or get any sort of rest, but a lack of rest also leads to depression. This is where routine can also come into play. Try falling asleep and waking up at the same time each day and avoid naps. It will be difficult at first but your body will adjust and it will become easier.

6. Get Involved

Being a part of a community can make you feel included and wanted. Getting involved can promote a lifestyle that helps to counter depression. Helping the people around you can also create a sense of accomplishment and makes you feel needed.

7. Challenge Negative Thoughts

Although it is hard to just be happy, trying to be happy is part of the solution. (Granted, never tell a depressive person to just be happy.) Whenever a negative thought comes to mind, think of three positive thoughts to counteract it and at the end of every day, write a list of at least ten things that you are thankful for. On days you cannot think of anything, read what you wrote in the past.

8. Take Supplements

Like I mentioned earlier, various ratios of vitamins can have different reactions with the body. If you consume a lot of Omega 6 from processed and other junk food, try to take Omega 3 to balance it out more. Just be sure to talk to your doctor first if you are taking any other medication.

9. Try Something New

Doing new activities keeps you feeling fresh and things exciting. If your old hobbies become boring, try out new activities that perhaps you will enjoy even more. Challenging ourselves to do new activities changes up the level of the chemicals in our brain, including dopamine, which is well known for pleasure and learning.

10. Have Fun

Feeling bored with everything is a symptom of depression. However, it is important to keep trying. Try an old activity you got bored of – maybe it is no longer boring to you. Perhaps the new activity you try out or the weird dance you used to mock is more fun and exhilarating.

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