Relieving Depression: Over ten percent of the population experiences depression at least once in a lifetime. If you have difficulty enjoying life or find yourself sluggish or angry much of the time, unfortunately, it may be your turn. Symptoms of depression range from sleeping all the time, to restless insomnia, from significant weight loss to significant weight gain. But no matter what your particular symptoms, help is always just a phone call away. Therapy is an effective strategy to relieving depression or at least reducing it.
Depression can result from an array of different causes, so if you have experienced even a few of the symptoms of depression for more than a couple of weeks, the time has come for you to focus on you. First of all, what did you eat for lunch today? A young, female college student once joked, “Whenever I feel like I want to lay down and die, I always eat a sandwich first.” And although it is no joking matter, depression can be a sign that one’s basic physical, spiritual, medical, and emotional needs require attention. Many of these areas you may address yourself, and others require the support of family, friends, or a trained professional to assist you. Here are some simple tips to start with:
- Begin your commitment toward wellness with a well-balanced diet, and treat yourself to a healthy sandwich or a warm cup of soup–Any type of healthy food that makes you feel happy, of course eaten in moderation. Avoid alcohol or too much caffeine.
- If you’ve been riding the wave of the busy hustle and bustle of the new century, than maybe you need to take a short nap. If you have trouble sleeping than don’t force it. Get up and have a glass of milk or warm Chamomile tea and read a book. If you can snooze, don’t nap for more than a half-hour, and try to get back on an 8-hour nighttime schedule.
- If you haven’t had a physical in over a year, call and schedule an appointment. Talk to your doctor about how you have been feeling as well as any other physical symptoms you may have been experiencing.
- Allow yourself at least 20 minutes of physical activity per day, however, start slow. A short, brisk walk in the park will likely serve you better than a fierce and furious hour on the treadmill.
- Attempt to take a warm shower, and try to dress neat everyday. This can prove difficult at first, but there is some merit to the fact that people feel better when they aren’t moping around in their torn jeans or pajamas.
- Talk to a trust-worthy friend or family member, and discuss what you’ve been feeling as well as the situations that may have led to your feelings of guilt, anger, or sadness.
Remember these tips on relieving depression merely suggest ways toward empowerment. No one will grade you, and you don’t need to perform these steps perfectly. They represent things that you can do, on your own, to improve your state of mind.
Other steps toward wellness might involve speaking with a clergyman, spiritual advisor or counselor, especially if you have recently experienced a loss or if you are having trouble finding a meaning or purpose for your life.
After attempting some of these steps, remember that the solution for relieving your depression, or at least reducing it, may be only a phone call away; and well-trained, non-judgmental, and confidential professionals are available at Therapy in Philadelphia / Center for growth to assist you in identifying the causes of your depression, as well as help you to work through it. No matter what the cause, with the right attention and support, you will not only feel better, but will soon embrace the joy of life once more.