Depression goes beyond feeling sad from time to time. When you have depression, this illness can cause strong feelings of hopelessness, a lack of energy, and other symptoms that affect your day-to-day life. Professional treatment, such as therapy, can help you understand this illness better and learn how to manage it. The following tips for dealing with depression can help you cope with this illness on a daily basis as you go through professional treatment.
Connect with Others
Reaching out to other people is an important part of dealing with depression. Whether you talk to a trusted friend or join a support group, connecting with others provides you with emotional support and keeps you from feeling isolated. Spending quality time with others is also a great way to manage depression. Make plans to have lunch with a friend or family member or go for walks together.
Get Some Exercise
Physical activity can help ease some depression symptoms and boost your mood. Try to get around 30 minutes of exercise each day, whether you do it all at once or break it up into shorter segments. Taking walks outside, dancing, lifting weights, or swimming are some ideas to consider for a workout routine.
Soak Up Some Sun
Exposure to sunlight can have a positive impact on your mood. Head outside to get at least 15 minutes of sunlight each day, but make sure you protect yourself with sunscreen. Letting more natural light into your home or office can also help lift your mood and ease depression symptoms.
Eat Mood-Boosting Foods
Stay away from foods containing high amounts of unhealthy fats, chemical preservatives, refined carbs, and sugar. Instead, fill up on foods containing B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, such as eggs, citrus fruits, chicken, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseed.
Do Activities You Enjoy
Make time to do activities you enjoy, such as reading, painting, listening to music, or spending time in nature. This can help you manage stress and improve your mood.
To get more tips for dealing with depression and understand this illness better, watch my educational videos on major depression.
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