Cure Depression

"Health is your biggest wealth." Learn to look after it. Mental health is a fundamental part of your overall health and if neglected certain disorders like depression may occur.

Depression is often confused with sadness even though they are not alike. Being sad at times is natural for any human, yet depression is characterized by a feeling of emptiness and it promotes hopelessness.

Depression is a leading causes of suicide in India, and the second leading cause of death among the youth of India, according to a study. Fortunately, it is treatable. In this webpage, I have discussed about the steps you should follow to treat depression.

1. Medications and Professional Assistance

The first and most important step you should take is to seek professional guidance. Medications and psychotherapy (a type of talk therapy) are effective for most people with depression. Your primary care doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms. This steps reduces a chance of relapse.

Don't be scared or hesitant to seek help. Not making efforts to cure your depression will make it worse. Remember seeking guidance can make your journey easier. Asking for help is not a bad thing.

2. Exercise

It appears that any form of exercise can help depression. Some examples of moderate exercise include:

Biking
Dancing
Gardening
Swimming
Yoga

Exercise is a necessity for any human being. It may be in the form of a light stroll or maybe a heavy sport. Exercise temporarily boosts feel-good chemicals in our body called endorphins. It may also have long-term benefits for people with depression. Regular exercise encourages the brain to rewire itself in positive ways. Furthermore, exercise improves sleep, and your energy level. It maintains your physical health and controls weight. It also helps you to look and feel good which improves your self-esteem. If your exercise is taken outside in the fresh air it is even more effective and can boost your immune system as well as your feelings of well-being.

Doctors caution that exercise is not a substitute for good medical care, however, it should be used in addition to other treatment.

2. Getting Sufficient Sleep

Depression can make it hard to get sleep, and too little sleep can make depression worse. To prevent this, start by making some changes to your lifestyle. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Try not to nap. Take all the distractions out of your bedroom. In time, you may find your sleep improves.

A good night’s sleep is very important for the body and can definitely strengthen your immune system so that you can function more healthily, feel better and be less likely to be depressed. Caffeine can also disrupt sleep patterns and increase anxiety so avoid drinking too much of it. A hot drink can also help you calm down. Some people find that reading books before their bed-time helps them get to sleep quicker.

What might prove of use to others may not work for you. So you need to try and see which of these methods are fruitful for you.

4. A Healthy Diet

One of the most overlooked aspects of mental health is nutrition. Food plays a significant role in our physical health, as well as our mental and emotional health. Some of these small changes in your diet may help to decrease your symptoms and have a positive effect on your daily life.

Research continues to find clear links between diet and mental health. In fact, there have been so many studies that have shown improving nutrition can prevent and treat mental illness. If depression tends to make you overeat, getting in control of your eating will help you feel better. Try to avoid foods that make you feel sluggish as this might bring about negativity.

5. Hobbies and Recreational Activities

It has been found that meditation, yoga and breathing exercises can help to cure your depression. In fact, you should add the things makes you feel whole and give you a sense of belonging in your day-to-day routine. You could try gardening or playing your favourite sport. The more outdoor activities in your routine, the better it is for your health.

This is a good time to fuel your creativity. You should stimulate your imagination with new experiences; enjoy poetry, art, theater, music, or try to reconnect with talents you’ve neglected. Try to invest some of your time in understanding yourself and breaking self-defeat patterns. You can also challenge yourself by acquiring new skills; taking classes or attending lectures. Plan out your time well by painting a picture of the goals you wish to achieve. This will prevent procrastination and you will be able to use your time to the fullest.

6. Hunt Down the Cause of Depression

Sometimes, depression can be a result of your social social environment. Don't view depression as a monster. Face it bravely and investigate the feelings that you are ignoring and avoiding. For example, you may try asking the questions- Why am I feeling depressed today? What am I ignoring? What issue am I not addressing?

You should make efforts to uproot depression and in order to accomplish this, you should try to find the cause of your depression. Some of the likely causes can be an unresolved conflict, lack of self-care or self-esteem. The cause may be something that has been playing over and over in your head or something you have been neglecting.

After finding the root cause, try to set things right. Remember, there is a solution to your problem. Resolving the issue may help lift the burden and aid in curing depression. You may also open up about the issue. Sharing your troubles with others will help you feel better and reduce your emptiness.

If you are not able to find the root cause, it is possible that your depression is caused by biological or genetic factors. This is a normal thing. You can follow the other steps to cure your depression.

7. Open up - Speak With Trusted Friends

When you have depression, your instinct might be to hide your thoughts and feelings from everyone else. At times, it may even lead you to put a full stop on your social life. The best way to see and understand your depression is to open up about how you are feeling. I know that it seems terrifying and remote to open up to someone about your depression but at this time you really need a mental mirror and the support of your loved ones.

You need another person to know what’s going on inside of your head and understand what you are going through. Find someone whom you trust, someone who is understanding, and tell them what you are going through. You would be surprised how many other people have gone through similar things. Depression thrives in secrecy and shrinks in empathy.

Conclusion

"God helps those who help themselves." Remember, depression does not just go away by itself. Steps need to be taken to cure it. Changes in your daily routine are to be made. Remember, you are not alone. Even people like JK Rowling and Buzz Aldrin have battled with depression and won as well. Depression, may make you feel miserable and at times hopeless, but try to maintain a positive mindset. This time too shall soon pass. Optimism is a positivity magnet and will help you to cure your depression.