Depression Self Help Tips

Everyone has rough days and even extended bad moods, but when you feel down for days or weeks at a time, you might be depressed. Depression not only impacts you, but also those who care about you--your friends and family. It can affect your performance at work and prevent you from enjoying things that used to bring you pleasure. However, it doesn't have to ruin your life, and you may be able to help yourself out of it.

Identify the Problem

• While you may feel that you are depressed for no reason, there probably is one. Take some time to do some soul-searching and try to identify the problem. The answer might not come to you immediately, and you might find it helpful to confide in a close friend or family member. Someone who knows you well can provide perspective that you are not able to achieve on your own. Once you have identified the reason for your depression, you can take the steps to solve the problem.

  In the meantime, focus on positive thoughts and ban the negative. When you feel yourself going down the path of self-destructive thinking, stop. Remind yourself of all the reasons you have to feel grateful.

Stay Active

• You probably feel tired, unmotivated and generally down. It may be hard to force yourself to get out of bed and go through the motions of daily life, but this is one of the best way to overcome depression. Go outside and get some sunlight. Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Engage in moderate exercise, which elevates the mood, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  Don't stop participating in activities that you usually enjoy, and don't avoid other people, no matter how anti-social you may feel. Being around others often helps to alleviate the symptoms of depression. The worst thing you can do may be to retreat into your depression, alone with your punishing thoughts.

Get Help

• If after, applying the tips above, you still feel depressed for an extended period of time, you should consider professional help. Some problems are much more complex than you can handle on your own. While medication should be a last resort, therapy may prove an invaluable tool in your recovery. Healing from depression is a long, difficult process, but you owe it to yourself to get your life back.