Depression: Help

Depression: Help

Get better control of your thoughts

Realize thoughts are not truths

Recognize your thoughts and feelings

without judgment and without attachment

Live in the Now:

We often keep ourselves depressed by focusing on our regrets about the past or

our worry about the future. Practice mindfulness.

Create some structured activities in your day:

• Lack of structure can make you feel "lost,"

and can give you too much room to get lost in negative thoughts.

• Having a plan for the day helps you to feel in control and to get things accomplished which feels good.

Being around other people helps you feel less depressed,

better supported, & reminds you to get "out of your head"

and enjoy life

Schedule in FUN & engage in WELLNESS Activities

For example... go to a movie, read a good book,

walk on the beach, fingerpaint, journal, listen to

music, take a bath

Consider Therapy

Get Good Nutrition: Eat plenty of fruits and

veggies; avoid foods that are high in sugar and

unhealthy fats

Tend to your surroundings. Do your dishes & laundry, treat yourself to flowers.

Now is not the time to have a chaotic & messy environment.

Have gratitude for what is working in your life

Each morning when you wake and/or evening when you go to sleep: Think of all the things you feel grateful for-- big and small. Consider writing these in a journal or sharing a gratitude with someone else.

Get inspired: try something new

Set and work toward goals

Recognize the good in the world

Recognize the good in you

Do good in the world

Get enough sleep

Studies show that regular exercise can be as effective as antidepressant medication at increasing energy levels and decreasing feelings of fatigue.

e.g., consider dropping a class, reducing your work hours, or taking a break from a stressful relationship

Consider Antidepressant Medications

Reduce the stressors in your life

Don't give up

Hopelessness is a symptom of depression,

it does not reflect your actual future

Be social; talk to your friends

Recognize the reciprocal influences:

Thoughts

Behaviors

Feelings

Get Exercise

Avoid alcohol and drugs

Such as: Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa

From WebMD: Does Alcohol Abuse Lead to Depression?

A number of studies have shown that alcohol abuse increases the risk for depression. This connection may be because of the sedative effects of alcohol on the brain. Researchers know that heavy alcohol consumption can lead to periods of depression.

Alcohol abuse also can have serious repercussions on a person's life, leading to financial and legal troubles, as well as marital stress. If you're struggling with money or grappling with a failed relationship, you're more likely to feel depressed.

Practice relaxation techniques

Such as yoga, meditation, visualization, deep breathing...