Depression is a serious problem that can be difficult to understand. According to the Help Guide Organization, there are a number of symptoms that can indicate the presence of depression, including constant fatigue, mood swings, severe changes in appetite and feelings of helplessness or hopelessness. How you treat the problem depends on a number of factors, including how disrupting it has become.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor if the depression is so serious that it is affecting your everyday life. If you have trouble working, concentrating, or eating and sleeping, you might need medical care. There are a number of depression drugs on the market and a chat with your doctor, followed by a referral to a psychiatrist, can help you identify the medicine and dosage that might best help you.
Step 2
Force yourself to do things that can improve your mood, even temporarily. Go see a movie, take a craft class or workshop, get a massage or volunteer at the local animal shelter. While short-term solutions like these won't solve the root of the problem, they can help you better understand the emotional cycle and see that enjoying yourself is possible even if it seems your life is difficult right now.
Step 3
Spend time around other people if possible, as this can keep your mind occupied and away from the issues at hand. Join a class, go out for coffee with friends or reconnect with your local church or school or work buddies. Cultivating supportive relationships is essential to recovering from depression. If you don't have support within your family circle, look for a support group either online or at local health and community centers.
Step 4
Stay active. Exercise helps your body release endorphins, the "feel good hormones." If you don't have a gym membership or can't stand the idea of being in a packed place right now, go for a walk, ride your bike to the local park or play Frisbee with a nephew or even with your dog.
Step 5
Change your surroundings. If you can afford to go away for a couple of days, do so, even if it's only to the next town. Rent a room at a nice bed and breakfast and explore the area. If taking a vacation seems impossible at the time, try changing something in your home (new curtains or a new rug can help) or your routine (the time you work out or where you take your dog for a walk).
Step 6
Keep a journal. Writing might help you understand what's causing the depression and give you ideas on how to get better. If you can identify patterns of behavior or environmental issues that are driving you into depression, you can make changes for the better. Use your journal to record good things, too, and make it a habit to spend at least a couple of minutes reflecting on things you can be grateful for that day, even if it's only that a stranger gave you his seat on the bus.
