Depression affects more people than they’re willing to let on. Some don’t even get a diagnosis because it is still a taboo subject. If you do see a doctor, you may find pills and other medication thrown at you instead of actually helping you with the mental illness. You can help it naturally and here are some tips to help.
Speak to Someone You Trust
The best way to beat your depression is by talking about it. Choose someone you trust and share your thoughts or feelings with them.
You’ll need to make sure they’re comfortable hearing it though as they may worry they’ll say the wrong thing.
A therapist is available, who is trained in helping you deal with depression and the reasons behind it.
Get Outside and Enjoy the Fresh Air
It’s easy to lock yourself in the house and usually in a dark room. This does nothing for your depression—in fact, it makes it worse. Get yourself outside and enjoy the fresh air.
You don’t need to go anywhere specific. Simply sit in your back garden and listen to the birds or go for a walk around your local park.
Don’t Block Out Light
Another common instinct for those with depression is to block out light. This just fuels the depressed feelings and will lead to a terrible cycle.
Fight against your mental illness by opening your curtains and enjoying the light come through. You will be amazed by how much better you feel.
Eat a Nutritious Diet
The food you eat plays an important part in your mental state. You may not realise it but eating unhealthily leads to the brain not getting the right amount of nutrients.
You feel worse because of it and often lethargic. Change your diet and focus on eating healthy and balanced meals. You’ll soon find that your brain thanks you for the nutrients by making you feel better.
Do Some Exercise on a Daily Basis
Exercise is so much better for you than anything else. It releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals from the brain. These are known as the happy hormone and naturally make you feel better within yourself.
It’s a quick way to fight off those depressive feelings and take more control over your emotions. Exercise also releases serotonin, which is the body’s natural painkiller.
Make a List of the Good Things
It’s common to focus on the bad when you feel depressed but focus on the good things instead. Make a list of all the things that you are grateful for and the things that have been great in your life.
Who is close to you? What have you achieved? What things are you good at? You may find it hard at first but you will eventually find that there is more good than bad in your life.
Switch Negative to Positive Thoughts
Stop focusing on the negative thoughts. These will just make you worse. Focus on the positives.
Remember everything happens for a reason and focus on why that is. So the car isn’t starting—it just means you get to walk and do more exercise!