Depression can be a draining, physically debilitating and emotionally crushing illness that's often misunderstood by friends, families and co-workers. The sufferer often becomes trapped in a self-perpetuating cycle of sadness, negativity, fear, anxiety and feelings of uselessness that can escalate into despair. Some anti-depressant medications may exacerbate the depression and may be linked to suicidal feelings and suicide in people aged 18 to 24. Study into depression has uncovered some activities that might alleviate the suffering and restore balance to your life.
Exercise
Exercise may help ease depression, according to the editorial staff at MayoClinic.com. Frequently, depressed people are unlikely and unwilling to exercise because their emotional and mental states are more inclined toward apathy and lethargy. Exercise, even moderate exercise such as gardening or walking, may release endorphins and other chemicals in the brain that doctors believe may relieve depressed feeling. Exercise also raises your body temperature, which may calm you. Focusing on exercise's task at hand, whether you're planting spring bulbs or concentrating on counting walking steps, can help you forget your sadness and worries, and may break the cycle of despair that often fuels depression.
Meditation and Yoga
You can practice meditation and yoga to help battle depression as part of an active anti-depression regimen. Meditation is the practice of self-calming by concentrating on replacing negative thoughts and emotions with pleasant, positive thoughts, sometimes called guided imagery. Some meditations may be done in community settings, although most meditating is done alone.
Kriya yoga is one type of yoga considered a self-help technique effective against depression. It combines intense and daily meditation with relaxing yoga to help practitioners confront and release feelings of depression, anxiety, sadness and negativity. The practice can help the depressed person find a tranquil state that quiets fears and embraces self-acceptance.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses different natural fragrances, usually in the form of a plant's essential oil, to stimulate brain activity that produces feelings of contentment, peace and satisfaction. Aromatic massage therapy is a common form of aromatherapy that's practiced on people suffering from depression. Certain essential oils, including basil, neroli, chamomile and damask rose, may be especially helpful to alleviate feeling of depression, sadness and anxiety. Usually, this alternative treatment is combined with other therapies to help the patient find emotional balance and healing.
