Depression is a medical condition that can lead to a number of emotional and physical problems. When you are depressed, it can be hard to motivate yourself to complete the routine functions of your day. In severe cases, depression can cause suicidal thoughts. Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the demands and strains of life. Unlike depression, stress is inevitable, and the only feasible solution is to learn how to manage it. Many treatment methods exist to help you overcome depression and conquer the negative effects of stress.
Attitude
Step 1
Identify your stress triggers. This is the first step you must take in order to effectively deal with your stressors. Stress-provoking events can be large, as in the death of a loved one, or small, such as when you get held up in traffic.
Step 2
Construct a plan of action that will make it easier to cope with stress. Seek out support from friends and family members. Ask them what methods they may have found that helped them successfully lower their stress levels.
Step 3
Realize that although life will always have a certain amount of stress, you do have the power to reduce it and improve your coping methods.
Step 4
Understand that depression is not something you simply snap out of. Accept the fact that your depression may require long-term treatment. Commit to exploring the possibility of medication, therapy or other treatment to relieve your low mood.
Action
Step 1
Explore with your doctor the possibility of taking an antidepressant medication. Seek out individual counseling with a professional mental health therapist. Talking about your feelings of depression and stress can help you learn more about your condition. This knowledge will help you find ways to deal with your feelings.
Step 2
Join a depression or stress support group. Hearing others talk about their problems can help you feel less isolated and can be an avenue to learning useful tools to improve the quality of your life.
Step 3
Learn to relax through meditation or yoga. These and other relaxation techniques can have a calming effect and help alleviate stress.
Step 4
Commit to getting regular physical activity. Exercise can help alleviate stress and is a natural mood enhancer. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activities such as brisk walking, jogging or swimming most days of the week.
Step 5
Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can make you feel more stressed out and leave you in a bad mood.
Tips and Warnings
- Stress is not all bad. For instance, it can keep you plugging away to meet an important deadline. Many doctors prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) because they tend to cause fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and citalopram (Celexa). Do your best to keep your counseling and group session appointments. Don't stop taking your medications, even if your symptoms improve, without talking to your doctor. Otherwise your symptoms may return.
