What Exactly Is Depression And How Does It Affect You
What Exactly Is Depression And How Does It Affect You
Treating depression can be a major life changing experience for you and your loved ones. This kind of treatment is not rocket science, but it does require a lot of research, work, and patience to find something that works for you. This list of tips should help you start seeking the treatment that is right for you.
One way to combat depression is to help yourself feel good. It sounds simple, but when life has gotten to the point that you find it difficult to get out of bed and get dressed in the morning, no matter how difficult or tiring it may be, hop in that shower and pick out a flattering outfit to wear for the day. Looking good will help you to feel good as well.
If you suffer from depression you may want to consider getting a pet. The main part of depression is the feeling of loneliness and caring for a pet can help eliminate those feelings or isolation. Also, studies have shown that pet owners are less likely to feel depressed than people who do not have pets.
Meditation is a great way to beat depression. You can lower blood pressure and actually lift your mood through meditations and studies have proven this.
A great piece of advice for someone struggling with depression is to actually watch what you eat. Many times those who are depressed eat goods that actually make them feel worse. Avoid fried and fatty goods which will make you feel slow and lethargic. Focus on high energy foods like nuts.
In your battle against depression, challenge your negative thoughts. One of the by-products of depression is putting a negative spin on how you see yourself, your future, and situations that you encounter. If you are like many people who suffer from depression, you are a perfectionist and hold yourself to standards that are impossibly high. Permit yourself to be less than perfect and quit beating yourself up if you don't meet impossible standards you have set for yourself. Negative thoughts will cause depression to become an endless cycle.
Even if you think your depression is just a mild problem, you should speak with a professional therapist. They will work with you to get a proper diagnosis, and decide if medication is right for you. It is important that they describe to you symptoms of your particular type of depression.
Try aromatherapy as a treatment for depression. Certain scents are known to affect your mood. You can either buy ready-to-use aromatherapy oils or make your own. Simply dilute the herbs with a little vegetable oil and rub into your skin. You can also add a few drops to your bath water or scent the entire room with a diffuser. Helpful herbs for depression include lavender, lemon, rose, and geranium.
As you can see, there is a lot more to treating depression than most people think. It requires a lot of research, hard work, and patience, but it will be worth it in the end to start living healthier. By following the above tips, you are well on your way to improving your life.