Depression Fighting Tips

There is no question that medication can help depression. Therapy is also a powerful method that is highly recommended, as it can help with changing behaviour and breaking the cycle of negativity can be an effective way to fight depression or negative self thoughts. These methods can also be practiced at home, by yourself. So if you are looking to lift your mood here are some depression fighting tips.

Of course, if you are in immediate danger, call 000 or a helpline like Lifeline.

1. Don’t think the worst

Try not to take a single event and treat it as a catastrophe and an ongoing source of negativity. People who are unemployed may do this. They may have lost a job because of the economy and think that it is their fault and will never get another one.

Instead of thinking, “I’ll never get another job,” try to say to yourself: “I will get another job. It just may take some time.”

2. Stop obsessive thinking

Have you ever had a disagreement with a friend or colleague and keep obsessively thinking about it, going over it again and again? This just amplifies the anger, stress, and anxiety associated with the memory. While reflecting is a good thing, and can help you solve problems, obsessive thinking does the opposite.

If you catch yourself, try to distract yourself, meditate, go for a walk, listen to music or redirect your thoughts.

3. Forget crystal balling

Generally people who are depressed will convince themselves they know what will happen in the future and it’s usually intensified to be very very bad. Fortunately, these catastrophic predictions rarely come true.

Try to stay in the present and focus on what you can control right now. It’s much more manageable and you’re less likely to blow things out of proportion.

4. Stop reliving the past

It is very unhealthy to keep telling yourself you should have done this or shouldn’t have done that. You can’t change the past, but you can live in the present.

Understand that you made the best decisions you could have at the time and be kind to yourself for perceived missteps.

5. Seek others

Depression is characterised by isolation. It is two-fold – you may be isolated and avoiding people because you’re depressed, but staying at home alone will only perpetuate the depression.

Getting out with other people and seeking new connections even a little bit will lift your spirits.

6. Stick to a routine

It might be hard, but make sure you get up at a set time, eat meals at the same hour every day and avoid lounging around. Try to incorporate exercise and and socialising into your routine each day too.

A daily routine gives you a sense of regularity that can help with a depressed mood.

7. Be sure to goal set

Set yourself a few simple, straightforward goals you can easily set and follow. Make sure that they are realistic and achievable to you. These will give you a great sense of achievement as you progressively achieve them.

8. Fake it until you make it

Write down all the things that you used to like doing, but have stopped. Then, one by one, start to introduce these activities back into your life even if you don’t feel like it. Be sure to give yourself a pat on the back when you achieve each one.

9. Accept the depression

Some people do not accept that they are depressed and are hard on themselves thinking they are crazy or weak. This only makes the situation worse.

Accepting that you are depressed can allow you to take the steps needed to make it better and get treatment, rather than pretend that everything’s just fine.

10. Look after yourself

Consider the language you use when you think about or talk to yourself, is it negative? Be kind to yourself and treat yourself in a more positive, gentler way.

Look at your diet that you use to fuel your body. Make sure that it is high quality and nutritious and look after your body by exercising regularly.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.