Four Tips for Living with Depression
Everything feels more challenging when you’re dealing with depression. Going to work, socializing with friends, or even just getting out of bed can feel like a struggle.
But there are some things you can do to cope with your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Here are eight tips for living with depression.
When you’re under stress, your body produces more of a hormone called cortisol. In the short-term, this is a good thing because it helps you gear up to cope with whatever is causing the stress in your life.
Over the long run, however, it can cause many problems for you, including depression. The more you use techniques to decrease stress, the better because it will decrease your risk of becoming depressed.
For some, this may mean forging stronger ties with friends or family. Knowing you can count on supportive loved ones to help can go a long way toward improving your depression.
For others, a depression support group can be key. It may involve a community group that meets in your area or you might find an online support group who meets your requirements.
Learn How to Stop Negative Thoughts
Depression doesn’t just make you feel bad, it can also reason you to think more negatively. Changing those negative thoughts, however, can improve your mood.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that works to alter common patterns of negative thinking called cognitive distortions in order to eliminate depression.
Research continues to find clear links between diet and mental health. In fact, there have been so many studies that have shown improving nutrition can prevent and treat mental illness that nutritional psychiatry has become mainstream.
But before you make any major changes to your diet or begin taking vitamins or supplements, talk with your physician.
