Depression - What Helps?
Identify Connections
Being honest with yourself and observing changes in mood and feeling as they occur may help you to identify some of the sources of the feelings of depression.
Talk About Problems
Discussing problems and feelings with those involved, or an understanding friend or a health professional (counsellor, psychologist, social worker, psychiatrist or doctor) can sometimes bring about a resolution before a critical stage of depression is reached.
Exercise Regularly
Exercising burns up tension, helps you relax, may improve sleep patterns and leads to the release of endorphins that lift your mood.
Try to be Aware of your Negative Thoughts and Replace Them with Positive Ones
Thinking about your own unique strengths, characteristics and positive accomplishments can enhance well-being.
Identify Times When You Feel Less Depressed
Working out what it is that you do when you feel less depressed, can help you identify ways of lifting your depression.
Seek Professional Help
Treating depression is possible. Counsellors, doctors, social workers, psychiatrists and psychologists are trained to assist the individual to find ways to deal with, and overcome, depression.
Consider Anti-Depressant Medication
Taking a prescribed anti-depressant medication is appropriate in some cases. It helps by lessening feelings of depression and enables you to feel more able to tackle your problems. There are different types of anti-depressants. They should be taken under medical supervision. Consult the Health Service or your doctor.
Seek Professional Help When -
- pain and problems outweigh pleasure;
- when the severity and persistence of symptoms impair day to day functioning;
- when the pain seems too much and you cannot see a way out.