Depression is a difficult problem, and it can be even more difficult to treat. One of the first things you should make sure of before treating depression is to make sure that you’re actually depressed – you can easily do this by evaluating yourself online, or get a more accurate (and more expensive) reading from a psychologist.
If you’re sure that you’re depressed, there are a few things that you can do to help yourself walk away from the problem. Here are some of the most effective.
See a Professional
If you got your diagnosis from a psychologist, then you’re probably already aware that seeing a professional is one of the best ways to help manage serious depression. Despite the stigma often associated with therapy and counseling, these practices are highly effective and will help you understand your issue much better.
Exercise
Exercise is known to ease symptoms of depression and anxiety, and is one of the best ways to relieve yourself of depression. In fact, research has shown that a huge number of people who live sedentary lives and struggle with depression can get rid of their depression simply by starting a regular exercise routine.
Exercise primes the brain and body, bringing more blood into the nervous system and releasing endorphins – feel-good hormones that many of us don’t produce enough of. Exercise is one of the best ways to increase the production of these substances.
Express Yourself
A lot of people who struggle with depression have a hard-time with self-expression and possibly self-confidence. It can be hard to feel happy if you struggle to express who you really are. This can be related to feelings of shame or insecurity – both of which can compound into depression.
One of the best ways to learn how to express yourself is to surround yourself with supportive, non-judgmental people – which brings us to our next tip:
Connect with Others and Yourself
Connecting with others is vitally important for our mental health, and also important because it’s a reflection of how well we can connect with ourselves. If you don’t know yourself very well, you’ll have a hard time expressing and sharing yourself with others. Conversely, if you have a hard time connecting with other people, perhaps you need to do some self-reflection and get to love yourself.
Practice Self-Love
Self-love goes beyond lathering yourself in pleasant-smelling body lotion, though this is also important. Self-love also means really getting to know yourself: the good things, the so-so things, and the bad things.
Only by bringing your full personality and being into awareness will you be able to shine light on your whole being. This will naturally result in connection with others and reduced levels of depression.