Depression affects nearly 17 million Americans each year, according to Psychology Information Online. It can cause serious problems in your professional and personal life, interfering with their ability to function. An estimated two-thirds of people diagnosed with depression do not receive proper treatment; however, coping techniques are available to help those affected live normal, happy lives.
Make Life Simple
The Mayo Clinic notes that simplifying your life makes coping with your depression easier. Begin with setting small goals for yourself each day, goals you know you can reach. Accomplishing small things every day will help you feel good about yourself rather than make your feelings of depression worse. Be sure to reward yourself for the goals you accomplish, as this will lift your spirits a bit.
In addition, do not commit yourself to more than you can handle. The Mayo Clinic suggests cutting back on obligations whenever possible. This may include taking on extra responsibilities at work to driving a friend to an appointment. The more tasks you have to complete, the more overwhelmed you will feel.
Take Care of You
In order to successfully cope with depression, you must make yourself a priority. HelpGuide.org recommends doing something you enjoy, such as going to the movies. If you need help accomplishing something around your home, don't be afraid to ask a friend or family member for help. And most importantly, incorporate healthy eating habits and exercise into each day. Getting enough sleep is also important, as lack of sleep can contribute to your condition.
Keep a Journal
Keeping a journal is a terrific means of expressing your negative thoughts and feelings. Be sure to also make note of what event triggered these feelings and thoughts. Your journal can be a means of improving your mood as it is an outlet for the negativity you may usually hold inside.
HelpGuide.org suggests reading your journal when you're in a good mood. This will allow you the opportunity to objectively decide if the moments of negativity were warranted, or if there was something you could have done to prevent them.
Replace the Good With the Bad
Replacing the good with the bad goes hand-in-hand with reviewing your journal. For every negative thought you wrote down, write something positive. For instance if you are unhappy with your appearance and wrote something such as, "I can't stand myself, I need to lose weight," replace it with,"I am thankful that I look just like my mother. She is the most beautiful person I know."
Join a Support Group
This is one of the most important steps you can take when trying to overcome depression, and it is recommended by both HelpGuide.org and the Mayo Clinic.
Most local communities have support groups for persons suffering from depression. Support groups bring together people facing the same problems you are, which removes any feelings of isolation you may be feeling. Not only can you talk about your personal experiences, you can also share different coping methods with the members of the group as you help one another through a trying time in your life.
