 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coping with Depression By Heather Watt  |
| |
 Are you having chronic problems with your mood, thinking, behavior, sleep, or appetite? You are not alone. A difficult time in your life such as the death of a loved one, a troubled relationship, or a stressful job may trigger an episode of depression. But it is a highly treatable disorder. It is important to seek the help of a medical professional because symptoms of depression vary from one person to the next, and consequently, medications and other treatments have to be balanced for each individual.
Depression is a condition that is always with you. In order to to cope with it, you may need to change your lifestyle. The sooner you begin treatment, the more effective it will be, and you will increase the chance of preventing recurrence. A doctor may suggest addressing the following:
Stress: Sometimes it's an active effort to put some things aside and focus on priorities. You are the only person who can control your life. You have to decide when to cut off the list of things to do.
Sleep: If you experience insomnia, take measures to "wind down" such as taking a bath, listening to soothing music, or by reading an entertaining book. Sometimes you have to let some details go in order to get the adequate amount of sleep to conquer your day head-on. Don't drink caffeine or watch TV two hours before bedtime.
Laugh! If you're having a rough day, do something completely mindless, like watching a sit-com or sports game. What makes you happy? Doing crossword puzzles? Baking cookies? Take time for yourself every week to do something you love.
Exercise releases serotonin; when you feel good about your body, your mind will follow. Physical aches can be relieved with yoga or swimming.
Friends: If all you do is share stress with your friends, do something fun, like see a movie or go shopping. Pets are always accepting and loving. Walk the dog, play frisbee, or pet the cat.
A change in diet or taking certain vitamins may be all that is necessary to aleviate symptoms of depression. Counseling sessions can also help release some of the stress. You may want to join a support group concerned with an issue you are facing, such as the loss of a loved one or unemployment. Mental health professionals can suggest effective ways for coping with stress and feelings of self-doubt because they can assess the entire picture of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors that uniquely cause the depression you are experiencing.
If you have thoughts of suicide, please seek help. You can call 1-800-SUICIDE at any time and talk to someone who cares. If you cannot tell a friend or family member you trust, tell a physician. You are not alone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|