Clinical depression can be a very serious condition that affects people's moods, thoughts and behavior. It can destroy their personal and professional lives. Feelings of sadness and hopelessness may haunt them over long periods of time. Clinical depression, which includes major depression and bipolar disorder, can become so severe it can lead to suicidal thoughts or behavior. Biological factors, such as family history or chemical imbalances in the brain, may be a cause. So depression is often dealt with through therapy and medication. But other factors are involved that may include stress, changes in life, loss of self-esteem and alcohol or drug problems, according to the University of California-Berkeley Health Services. If you suffer from these difficulties, there may be ways you can prevent them from interfering with your life.
Step 1
Stop thinking negatively. A 2005 study reported in the Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association found that low-income single mothers avoided depressive symptoms through negative-thought stopping and positive statements. The positive effects continued with the group over the next year.
Step 2
Avoid alcohol abuse and drug use. People with depression are often found to have alcohol or drug problems, according to the University of California. If you think you are drinking too much, stop immediately. If you can't, or if you are taking illicit drugs, seek treatment either through counseling or medical help from an alcohol and drug facility.
Step 3
Deal with your stress by using relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or yoga. Stress can build up within you because of work-related problems, family crises, illnesses and other triggers of depression. Know that everyone suffers from some sort of stress from time to time and that it is part of life. If you think the burden is too heavy, see a therapist who specializes in stress reduction.
Step 4
Seek the advice of friends, counselors or clergy when you suffer a sudden crisis such as loss of a loved one, financial trouble, relationship problems or another traumatic event. Such episodes can lead to depression, but they can be overcome by tackling them head on with the help of the people around you and professionals who can guide you.
Step 5
Know the signs of depression. Some people may be heading into the disorder and not realize it. If you have lost interest in things you once enjoyed, feel a persistent sadness, have difficulty sleeping, can't concentrate, always feel pessimistic or feel fatigued, it is time to search for the underlying cause.
Step 6
Do not give up if you are unable to conquer feelings of depression on your own. Biological factors are often involved in depression because of disorders in brain chemistry that might be inherited, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. But counseling with a therapist and antidepressant medication can greatly improve the condition.
