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9 Ways to Cope with Depression

More than 80 percent of people who have depression never seek treatment for their troubles. While some do not want to admit that they might be suffering with depression, more often than not, people do not realize they are depressed, believing their feelings are normal.

However, depression is extremely draining, as many people feel a never-ending sense of sadness, loneliness, and hopelessness. Getting through depression can be challenging, as it is an illness that can persist for as long as months and years.

Dealing with depression is not easy, but there are ways to cope with it, including these 9:

  1. Treatment

Because depression can be so debilitating, as it can suck the energy and drive right out of you, seeking depression treatment through medicine and other similar treatments can be a wise choice. There are many anti-depressants doctors recommend, as they have seen proven results with the medication. Newer treatments with things like ketamine are available, which can help stimulate the brain to have anti-depressant effects.

  1. Therapy

Another recommended treatment is therapy, as speaking with a professional about your feelings and situation can help you diagnose what areas of your life are contributing to your sense of hopelessness. Additionally, joining a support group can help you realize that you are not alone in your feelings.

  1. Tasks

One of the most common depression symptoms is feeling overwhelmed by small, everyday tasks. Combatting these hurdles begins by breaking down tasks into small steps. For instance, many people struggle to even get out of the bed in the morning, for their depression is so severe it hinders their desire to live another day. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by thinking about the whole day ahead of you, take the day task by task. These smaller achievements can help you feel like you are making progress in your day.

  1. Avoid Isolation

Depression has a way of isolating you from your favorite social activities. All of the emotions you are feeling and sorting through can lead you to spend less time with friends or family, which can worsen depression. Because depression often causes people to feel alone, they often isolate themselves, which can make them even more depressed—it’s a vicious cycle.

Even though your depression can hinder your mood, it is important to avoid isolating yourself. Spending time with good friends and great family can help improve your feelings.

  1. Exercise

A natural way to deal with depression is through exercise. Research has proven that exercise makes the body feel invigorated and rejuvenated, which can help ease the pain of depression. Both endorphins and dopamine are produced during exercise, which have been known to improve moods.

When dealing with depression, it can be difficult to find the will to exercise; however, forcing yourself to get in even a 30-minute walk in the day can improve a mood greatly. In some cases, exercise can help reduce moderate depression symptoms to mild depression symptoms.

  1. Responsibility

If you are dealing with depression, it is important that you recognize you have depression—and that you are not alone. Taking the responsibility to recognize that you are sick can help you gain control over your emotions and behaviors.

  1. Relaxation Techniques

Breathing exercises, Yoga, and stretching can help to relax your body. The more you relax and stretch, the more you will release the stress and anxiety you have been holding onto. Spend mornings and evenings stretching, practicing breathing exercises, and practicing Yoga, if possible.

  1. Negative Thoughts

Once you recognize your depression, you probably can recognize what thoughts are positive and negative. Negativity is fuel to the fire where depression is concerned, thus it is important to get rid of as many negative thoughts as possible. Instead, focus on something positive, such as gratitude, your family, or something positive that happened that day.

  1. Sleep

Sleep is essential to anyone suffering from depression, as not getting enough sleep can keep your emotions unbalanced, triggering depression symptoms. It is recommend that those battling with depression establish a sleep routine, going to bed and waking up in the morning at the same time every day, as it can reduce depressive symptoms.

These 9 tips can help you cope with your depression.

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