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Tips on Coping With Depression

Depression is a serious illness that can rob you of your strength, vitality and ultimately, your life. Making the decision to proactively cope with your depression can give you the motivation to take control over your life and find your way through this. Although you need to seek professional help from a qualified medical practitioner, you can immediately begin to use these tips to supplement your doctor's advice.

  1. Seek Support

    • See a qualified mental health care professional or your primary care doctor immediately. Depression is a medical condition that can rob you of the life that you deserve. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major depressive disorder is the number one cause of disability in the United States among people aged 15 to 44. If you don't get medical treatment, your depression can worsen and immobilize you. If you can't afford treatment, contact your county's Department of Mental Health or search the website FreeMentalHealth.com for resources in your area.

      Next, join a support group. If there is no depression support group in your local area, or you are uncomfortable participating in one in person, join an online depression support group. Check out the websites such as Psych Central.com, Daily Strength.com and Find the Light.com to find a group that you feel comfortable with. Do not give up until you find a community of people that you can relate to.

    Ease Up

    • Minimize your obligations at home and prioritize your obligations at work until you feel that you can accomplish everything you need to without overwhelming yourself. For example, if you feel that you can't cook meals every night, ask your spouse, a family member or a friend to help in preparing some meals during the week. At work, break down your job duties into smaller, more manageable tasks so you can still get things done by doing a bit at a time throughout the day.

    Eat Right

    • Do not give in to your cravings for refined carbohydrates like French fries and pasta, or sugary snacks such as brownies or muffins. These foods will momentarily make you feel better, but will make your energy and your mood crash soon after. Instead, choose serotonin-boosting foods such as whole grain breads, whole-wheat pasta, oatmeal, bananas and baked potatoes.

      Omega-3 rich foods can also help boost your mood. Incorporate mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines and anchovies into your diet or take an Omega-3 supplement every day.

    Baby Steps

    • Depression is exhausting. It makes you tired, listless and reclusive. However, the more you isolate yourself by staying in bed, the worse your depression can become. Break through this cycle by doing one thing every day to support yourself through this. Meet a friend for lunch, a movie, play or concert. Talk to one trusted person about what you are going through and ask for help in exploring your feelings and your options. Volunteer for a non-profit organization or take a cooking, yoga or martial arts class. Once you motivate yourself to get moving, your recovery will speed up because of the actions you have taken to help yourself.

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