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Coping with Depression
Get moving
Regular exercise can be as effective as medication for relieving depression symptoms and prevents a relapse.
- Find exercises that are continuous and rhythmic: walking, weight training or swimming.
- Add a mindfulness element. Focus on how your body feels as you move.
- Pair up with an exercise partner.
- Take a dog for a walk. You can volunteer to walk homeless dogs for an animal shelter or rescue group.
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How to know if you're depressed
Depression symptoms can vary, but it always results in living in a negative state.
Common signs include:- Feeling hopeless or a lack of energy and interest in things that ...
Ways to deal with depression
Understand the common triggers. Once you understand which one is behind your depression, you can better learn how to cope with depression.
Feelings of loss, “less than” and “never going to happen” are the major reasons that most people dip into depression. Loss can result from a loved one dying or losing a job; feelings of “less than” can be triggered by comparing yourself to others you view as having more than you and “never” occurs when you start believing that your goals and dreams are completely out of reach.
Address your limiting beliefs
Many of those trying to find ways to deal with depression have formed limiting beliefs that negatively affect how they think.
If you come from a family who has never had a member attend college, you might believe that you are not smart enough to achieve your goals. Another common limiting belief is that they are supposed to be sad because depression or anxiety runs in their family.
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How depression is measured
Depression is often measured by scientists using something called the Hamilton Scale. It runs from 0 (where you are dancing in ecstasy) to 59 (where you are suicidal).
Causes of depression
Many leading scientists believe the whole idea that depression is caused by a “chemically imbalanced” brain is wrong.
There are in fact nine major causes of depression and anxiety that are unfolding all around us. Two are biological, and seven are out in here in the world, rather than sealed away inside our skulls.
Childhood trauma can cause depression
When you’re a child, you have very little power to change your environment. So, you have two choices.
- You can admit to yourself that you are powerless and there’s simply nothing you can do about it.
- You can tell yourself it’s your fault and at some strange level under your control. If you were responsible for being hurt, then at some level, you have to think you deserved it.
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Recognize Your Critical Self Attacks
Depression is often accompanied by a critical, self-destructive mentality that interferes with and distracts us from our daily lives.
Ask yourself, would you think such cruel t...
Don't Isolate Yourself
When depressed, you may hear thoughts telling you to be alone, keep quiet and not to bother people with your problems. Do not listen to them.
Confiding in a friend to lighten your burden can begin a process of ending your unhappiness. Even the simple act of putting yourself in a social atmosphere can lift your spirits.
Do Things You Once Liked to Do
The times you feel most like slumping on the couch are the moments you should force yourself to take a walk, cook a meal, or call a friend.
If you've ever been depressed before, do whatever it was that helped you feel better before. Act against the critical inner voice that tells you nothing will help.