5 ways to fight depression

March 20, 2015 7:04 PM

Depression can be described as feeling trapped in the stresses of everyday life, that you feel like you're falling deeper into a black hole with no way out.

Depression

Depression can be described as feeling trapped in the stresses of everyday life, that you feel like you're falling deeper into a black hole with no way out. It isolates you from those you care about, your hobbies and the job you have always loved. It has also been known to make you seriously sick.

People experience depression in different ways, the commonality is in the fact that depression has traps that make you feel even worse. Most people do not even realise that they are depressed, till they are far gone.

If you are currently experiencing these depressive symptoms, using these below listed tips can help put you on the right track again.

1. Hang out with people you trust.

When feeling depressed, it is easier to avoid social interaction, but the truth is, connecting with another person is sometimes one of the easiest ways to help with depression.

It may just be having coffee with or calling a trusted friend can help lift your spirit for an afternoon and start you on a better course of action for yourself.

2. Start exercising.

It has been scientifically proven that endorphins from exercising can help depression as much as medication. In fact, exercises that include mindfulness or self-awareness, such as yoga or tai chi, does even more good to alleviate symptoms of depression.

3. Fight your addictions.

Addictions, obviously, can mask the pain of depression temporarily. This behaviour does nothing but cover up the old problem while beginning a new one. Endeavour to avoid old habits by either staying in the midst of people or exercising when the urge becomes overwhelming.

4. Stop your negative thoughts.

It is easy to let a thought run away in your mind over and over again in your head like a scary scene from an horror movie. Pessimistic thoughts are normal when one is depressed, but you can have control over letting them take over your mind. If you cannot rid yourself of negative thoughts in your head that seem to have a life of its own, then it is time to call a professional counsellor or therapist.

Truth is, depression is not something that has to be a life-long problem, with the right tools to handle the symptoms, you can get your life back.