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Dealing With Depression
Here are some helpful tips on how to deal with depression. Please remember we are not professionals, nor can we substitute for one. Please seek professional help for further information. Thank you and stay safe! ~~~~~~~~~~ ;o)
When you are depressed, it is important to:
 Pace yourself. Do not expect to do all of the things you were able to do in the past. Set a schedule that is realistic for you.
Remember that negative thinking (blaming yourself, feeling hopeless, expecting failure, and other such thoughts) is part of a depression. As the depression lifts, the negative thinking will go away, too.
Avoid making major life decisions during a depression. If you must make a major decision about your life, ask your clinician or someone you trust to help you.
Avoid drugs and alcohol. Research shows that drinking too much alcohol and use of drugs can cause or worsen a depression.
Understand that it took time for the depression to develop and it will take time for it to go away.
Do not set yourself difficult goals or take on a great deal of responsibility.
Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.
Do not expect too much from yourself too soon as this will only increase feelings of failure.
Try to be with other people; it is usually better than being alone.
Participate in activities that may make you feel better.
You might try mild exercise, going to a movie, a ball-game, or participating in religious or social activities.
Don't overdo it or get upset if your mood is not greatly improved right away. Feeling better takes time.
Do not make major life decisions, such as changing jobs, getting married or divorced, without consulting others who know you well and who have a more objective view of your situation. In any case, it is advisable to postpone important decisions until your depression has lifted.
Do not expect to snap out of your depression. People rarely do. Help yourself as much as you can, and do not blame yourself for not being up to par.
Remember, do not accept your negative thinking. It is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.
There is some evidence in milder cases of depression that exercise can be helpful in reducing symptoms.
This was taken from: The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR), an agency of the U.S. Public Health Service
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