[EDITORIAL] How To Deal With Depression (Must Read)

Everything feels more challenging when you're dealing with depression. Going for lectures, socializing with friends, or even just getting out of bed can feel like a struggle. Below are symptoms of depression and how to deal with them: Today we are going to talk about something that isn't largely discussed in our society but is becoming a serious cause for concern...Depression! Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act.

Difficulty Sleeping or Oversleeping Sleep and mood are intimately related. But, you might feel like you just can't fall asleep. Or perhaps you struggle to get out of bed because you feel exhausted all the time. Turn off electronics at least an hour before you go to bed. Use dim light to read a book or engage in another relaxing activity

Improve Your Eating Habits What you eat has a direct impact on the way you feel. Reduce your intake of foods that can adversely affect your brain and mood, such as caffeine, alcohol, and foods with high levels of chemical preservatives. Drugs and alcohol have many negative health impacts particularly as they are related to symptoms of depression. In fact, it is often the case that consumption of either alcohol or drugs goes hand-in-hand with depression.

Miserable Feelings, Unpleasant Thoughts Depression doesn't just make you feel bad, it can also cause you to think more negatively. Do you feel like you’re powerless or weak? That bad things happen and there’s not much you can do about it? That your situation is hopeless? Depression puts a negative spin on everything, including the way you see yourself and your expectations for the future. ▪ Make a list of your three best features and read it to yourself whenever you find yourself focusing on negative thoughts. ▪ Keep a daily record of all the small pleasant things that happen and discuss these events with your friends when you see them. ▪ Recall pleasant occasions in the past and plan pleasant occasions for the future (this may best be done in conversation with a friend). ▪ Keep yourself busy doing useful activities. Avoid sitting or lying about doing nothing.

Build A Support Network One of the most important things you can do to help yourself with depression is to develop strong social support. When youths move away for school, or even endure tremendous amounts of stress, life can be hard and overwhelming. In these instances, it is important that they are encouraged to put their energy into relationships as well – particularly those that can improve and sustain positive mental health. Isolation often is where depression thrives, and so it is important to reach out to others for support. This may mean forging stronger ties with friends or family. Knowing you can count on supportive loved ones to help can go a long way toward improving your depression.

When to get professional help for depression If you’ve taken self-help steps and made positive lifestyle changes and still find your depression getting worse, seek professional help. Needing additional help doesn’t mean you’re weak. Sometimes the negative thinking in depression can make you feel like you’re a lost cause, but depression can be treated and you can feel better! Don’t forget about these self-help tips, though. Even if you’re receiving professional help, these tips can be part of your treatment plan, speeding your recovery and preventing depression from returning.