Fighting Depression: 10 Golden Rules
Depression is not just a state of mind – it’s a medical condition that can be clinically diagnosed. Before depression was widely recognized as being a valid health concern, many people were forced to suffer alone, believing that they should be able to just magically “turn off” their depression.
Fortunately, depression and its manifestations are more clearly understood now; you can find more information about the different types of depression, depression symptoms and treatment options in our article What Everyone Should Know About Depression. Fighting depression in natural ways is possible. Let’s take a look at the ten golden rules for fighting depression that you can implement in your everyday life to keep depression in check.
Fighting Depression: Golden Rule #1
Get some sun. Many people feel a heightened sense of depression when they are indoors all the time, or away from any source of natural sunlight. Open the curtains to let in some light. Go for a walk and feel the warm sunshine on your face. If you cannot get outdoors, invest in a sun lamp; sun lamps were originally invented for enjoying sun during the winter, not for tanning.
Fighting Depression: Golden Rule #2
Avoid alcohol use. While the occasional glass of wine may help you to relax, more than a social drink or two can worsen depression. Additionally, drinking alcohol in combination with medications (either for depression or other medical problems) can cause your depression to worsen.
Fighting Depression: Golden Rule #3
Get regular exercise. Exercise is very important to staving off the effects of depression. Exercise releases “feel good” endorphins that can intensify your feelings of well-being and self-esteem. While most people who are depressed often think they don’t have the energy to exercise, making time for a regular exercise routine will help alleviate your depression and have other lasting health benefits as well. If you must – then force yourself to get some exercise – even if it is just a brisk walk each day.
Fighting Depression: Golden Rule #4
Reach out for support. Because depression is a big problem that affects millions of people all around the globe, there are lots of support groups out there that you can turn to when you are struggling with depression. Additionally, reach out to other people and make connections regarding other areas of your life. Having a social support system in place is a great way to fight depression. Building positive relationships is known to alleviate depression and keep depression from coming back in full force.
Fighting Depression: Golden Rule #5
Keep a journal. The simple act of writing is a great stress reliever and has been shown to fight depressions. Journal writing gives you an outlet or a sounding board for your worries, fears, concerns, joys, and more.
Fighting Depression: Golden Rule #6
Socialize. Go to the movies, get a gym membership, or join a local group of volunteers. Invite your friends over for a barbecue or a card game. Getting out and experiencing life will help to calm your depressive tendencies.
Fighting Depression: Golden Rule #7
Read. Reading has a magical effect of transporting us from our current lives into the lives of others – almost like living inside a movie! Pick up some good books – whether you crave romance, suspense, or adventure – prop up on the couch or at the beach and just read. Reading is soothing and can take your mind off of your troubles (and your depression).
Fighting Depression: Golden Rule #8
Get a good night’s sleep. Many people who suffer from depression either sleep too much or can’t sleep as much as they need to. Find ways to unwind before bedtime. Start a bedtime ritual of taking a warm bath. Drop some lavender oil in a candle burner for an even deeper sleep. Make sure your room is darkened and that it’s at a comfortable temperature. If you need some noise – try running a small fan near your bedside. Make getting a good night’s sleep a priority and you’ll find that you feel better each and every day.
Fighting Depression: Golden Rule #9
Enjoy the outdoors. Nothing is more calming than enjoying the wonders of the great outdoors. Go swimming, walk in the woods, visit the local zoo, do your exercising at the local park. Most of the activities that you can do outdoors will make you feel better about your life, alleviate your depression – and as a bonus, most of them are free or inexpensive.
Fighting Depression: Golden Rule #10
Perhaps the most important golden rule of all when fighting depression – eat properly. Our bodies need food for fuel, and providing your body with a healthy diet that avoids refined sugars and starches is an important step in keeping depression at bay – and will also help improve your overall general health.
