How to Stop the Pain of Depression

Depression is comparable to wearing a dark cloak of doom around your head. It gives you a feeling that you could care less about the world around you and others. This apathy can make you want to stay in bed with the covers pulled up over your head; you lack motivation to do even the slightest tasks. People suffering from depression need help, whether via medication, therapy, or both. Picking yourself up from the depths of depression can be a daunting task; but with help, depression can be controlled, and the joy you experience after the pain will certainly be worth the effort.

Instructions

• 1

  Recognize the symptoms of depression; apathy, feeling tired all the time even if you had the proper amount of sleep, crying spells, feeling sick quite a bit or experiencing unexplained aches, irritability or sleep problems. Depression can also cause lack of libido, thoughts of suicide, inability to focus, restlessness and feelings of not being worth anything.

• 2

  Be aware that depression is a common problem and is a chronic medical condition that requires a doctor's care unless it is an isolated incidence and lasts less than two weeks. Depression happens when the neurotransmitters in your brain are at a low level; these chemicals involve moods and their responses. Heredity and your environment play a role in who develops depression also. It may be brought on by a significant life event such as a loved one's death, or just be a general unhappy or sad feeling.

• 3

  Seek help with a qualified therapist. You cannot just snap out of depression on your own. Talking through your problems can help you with your thought processes and teach you coping skills that you are lacking. Medications may be necessary for you to overcome or control the depression. Often, medication and therapy are both needed.

• 4

  Exercise every day; just get out and be active. This may involve walking or biking alone, or playing tennis or some other activity with a friend. Exercise raises the serotonin level in your brain, is effective in elevating the mood, and helps with depression symptoms according to the Mayoclinic.com website.

• 5

  Avoid overindulging in alcohol or use of illegal drugs; this will only make your depression worsen.