Depression is an illness that makes you feel sad, and it manifests in different forms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, several combined factors play a part in the development of depression. Symptoms of this disease can cause you to lose interest in things you once loved to do. You may also feel irritable and tired when you are depressed, and depression can affect your mental clarity as well as your eating habits. Suicide may enter your mind. Dealing with the disease can be difficult, but there are ways you can master your depression.
Step 1
See a doctor for an evaluation. A doctor can tell you the cause of your depression and advise you on the best course of treatment. He may give you a prescription for antidepressants or suggest you go for psychotherapy. For some individuals, a doctor will recommend both. Ask your doctor about the side effects of any medications he prescribes.
Step 2
Help yourself if you are depressed. Be aware of depression's ability to make you feel tired and helpless. Put yourself on the road to recovery by remembering activities that were once part of your life and start doing them again. If roller-skating was once your passion, go to a roller skating rink. When the weather permits, walk along the beach with a friend for exercise and sunshine that may help brighten your mood. Stay in shape physically by exercising on a regular basis.
Step 3
Lighten your load when it comes to work that needs to be done. If you have a lot to accomplish, do as much as you can a little at a time so you do not feel overwhelmed. Ask someone you know to help you with your chores. Do not set goals you may not be able to reach since doing so can make your life stressful.
Step 4
Avoid making major decisions while in a depressed state. Poor decision making such as asking your spouse for a divorce can have a negative effect on your life and your children's lives if you have children. If your decision is one that needs immediate attention, consult with a close friend or loved one for advice. They may help you see things more clearly and prevent you from doing something you would not do if you were not depressed.
Step 5
Eat healthfully to master your depression, and maintain a balanced diet. Take note of your diet since depression can lead to overeating or not eating enough. Other ways to master depression include acupuncture and aromatherapy. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a recent study on women who were pregnant and depressed revealed acupuncture may lessen the symptoms of depression. Aromatherapy oils good for depression include sweet basil, jasmine, rosemary and geranium, but do not use the first three oils if you are pregnant.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
- National Institute on Aging: Depression
- Women's Health: Depression
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Women's Health-Acupuncture Helps With Depression During Pregnancy
- "Linda Page's Healthy Healing, All New Eleventh Edition,"; Linda Page; 2001
