It is normal to feel down and discouraged from time to time, particularly if you live a stressful life and cannot find time to make everything fit into your schedule. Regardless of the reason, it is important to recognize when feeling “blue” has morphed into an actual state of depression. Once you get entrenched in that state, it can be very difficult to extricate yourself from it. Read on for some ways to combat depression on its most basic level.
Combat depression with natural remedies
A state of real depression typically lasts for more than three days, at which point you can consider that the feelings are something that need to be dealt with. It is quite possible that a temporary situation is what you are reacting to, rather than inherent emotional condition. If this is the case, then make sure you identify what that situation is and take correct steps immediately. If you are dealing with the death of a loved or the loss of a job, it is very normal to have sad emotions. Only time will heal these things. However, if you cannot pinpoint the source of your feelings or if they persist longer than a week, seek professional help. This can be a medical professional or a mental health counselor, preferably both.
Feelings of loneliness can increase depression, sometimes even causing it in the first place. Surround yourself with friends and try to seek out ones whose friendships that do not require a lot of maintenance. Choose people who typically have a positive spin on life and exude optimism. This may not cure your core problems, but can certainly help to give you a break from feelings of sadness. It may also expand your mind to see things in a better light, which can lead to making positive improvements that better your daily circumstances.
Alcohol makes Depression even worse
Though it may feel hard to get out and be in public when you are feeling depressed, that is exactly what you should do. This does not mean that you have to go out and be the life of a party. Instead, just find a cheerful place close to home when you feel comfortable and are surrounded by people. Even if you do not interact with anyone, just being in a place with good energy can help alleviate depression. It could be a local coffee shop or a park, or you could enjoy just walking around the block. Smile at someone and greet people you pass, encouraging them to do the same.
It is tempting to “drown your sorrows” with alcohol or drugs, but this is actually one of the worst things you can do. Alcohol has been known to contribute to worse depression, sometimes even leading to thoughts of suicide. Rather than use artificial substances to mask your problem, seek instead to find the root cause and correct it before things get worse.
These are some very foundational things you can do to get a handle on the feelings of depression. Remember that you are not helpless and you have the capacity to change your life for the better. Get the help you combat depression and move forward today in a positive direction.