How to cope with Depression

Kaajal Gunputh Kaajal Gunputh Aug 12, 2018 1129 0

How to cope with Depression

Coping with depression!

Have you been feeling an intense negative feeling of sadness and despair? Do you feel its interfering in you day-to-day functioning and taking control of your livelihood and influencing every decision and action you take! It’s certainly not a pleasant experience! It limits your mind may lead to awful consequences including mental health problems and suicidal thoughts.

This feeling is usually known as depression. Depression is the most common mental health problem occurring within our society. Very often, victims of depression do not recognize what they are going through and sometimes they feel so lost that they do not know how to fight it and overcome it. The fastest route of recovery is usually the hardest. However, to begin with the recovery process, we should identify the problem.

Symptoms of depression

The symptoms experienced during depression can be physical, emotional in terms of feeling, social in terms of behavior and mental in terms of the different thoughts coming to your mind.

The various symptoms can be further characterized as follows:

Feelings

  • Overwhelmed
  • Guilty
  • Frustrated
  • Indecisive
  • Sad
  • Miserable
  • Disappointed

Mental Thoughts

  • “I’m a failure.”
  • “It’s my fault."
  • “Nothing good ever happens to me.” 
  • “I’m worthless.”
  • “Life’s not worth living.”
  • "People would be better off without me

Behavioral

  • Not going out anymore
  • Not getting things done at work/school
  • Withdrawing from close family and friends
  • Relying on alcohol and sedatives
  • Not doing usual enjoyable activities
  • Unable to concentrate

Physical

  • Tired all the time
  • Sick and run down
  • Headaches and muscle pains
  • Churning gut
  • Sleep problems
  • Loss or change of appetite
  • Significant weight loss or gain

Now that we are aware of the different symptoms occurring during depression, let’s see what we can do to overcome them.

 

Bringing Changes to the lifestyle

Getting a good sleep

Lack of sleep can cause increased negative thinking and develop a vicious cycle where negative thoughts decrease your ability to sleep and thus increasing the feeling of depressed and tired.

Exercise more often

Studies have shown that exercise releases a natural anti depressant in the brain and hence is very beneficial. You could start off with a simple walk around your lawn and later engage into any activity that you are passionate about along with a group of friends.

Opt for a healthier diet

Reduce the intake of sugar, fast foods and processed foods. Instead opt for fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also do a quick research about fruits and foods that help in improving the state of mind and wellbeing.

Indulge in some grooming sessions

Very often, when depressed there is a tendency to neglect the grooming part and pay no attention to clothing and appearance. Re-introducing the daily habit of grooming and bring the feeling of well-being and improve your mood. You could even opt for something new like a new haircut or new hair style.

Maintain a supportive circle

You may open up to trusted people surrounding yourself about your current state and maintain a good network of supportive friends around you. Being supported from people who love you and care for you is a big plus point in the healing process, so don’t be afraid to open up to supportive trustworthy people.

 

  1. Bringing about bhavioural changes

Keeping yourself busy

The more occupied you will be, the lesser negative thoughts will keep wandering in your mind. You can engage in a hobby or anything you are passionate about. There are people who often opt to care for a pet to keep them busier and also they end up having a small furry friend helping them through the healing process.

Pamper Yourself

Do fun activities and treat yourself at your favorite restaurant, have your favorite ice-cream. Go out and have some fun, maybe reading a book or watching a comedy movie or comedy stand show.

Keep a journal

Throughout this journey keep a small diary or journal which will be completely personal. Then pen down your feelings and thoughts, pour it all down and let it all go with the ink. Consider it to be someone who won’t judge you for anything you say and let it all go.