Tips for Overcoming Depression

Believe it or not depression is one of the most common medical problems in the United States affecting both young and old. In dealing with the male verses female gender, depression is twice as common in women than men. Some characteristics associated with depression are withdrawal, a loss of interest, anger, sadness, changes in appetite and even a sense of no emotion at all.

Depression may be triggered by stress and anxiety. Problems come to everyone regardless of one's economical status, ethnicity, gender and so on and the way that a person processes these problems may lead to depression. Traumatic events such as a death or divorce can cause a disturbance in the brain that governs the mood of a person. Another common cause of depression is food allergies, so one should have a knowledge of the foods they should stay away from.

One should also monitor sugar consumption because if the blood sugar levels are too low (hypoglycemia) this can also cause depression. Many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which can occur in the winter months when days are shorter and darker. Christmas season falls under one of the winter seasons commonly known for a time when suicides are the highest. Another type of depression where people experience long term reoccurring symptoms of depression that prohibits them from functioning normally is called dysthymia.

This kind of depression stems from negative thinking habits. Environment can play a key role in the way a person thinks; for instance the atmosphere of a funeral home is entirely different than that of a church wedding, so one should choose their atmosphere carefully. Another example is negative people who create a different atmosphere than positive happy people because like the old saying says... birds of a feather do flock together. Depressed people should not hang out with other depressed people "only" or they may run the risk of remaining that way. Another cause of depression is a poor diet composing of junk food. One's diet should consist of plenty of raw fruits and vegetables being careful of drinks containing artificial sweeteners.These can block the formation of serotonin and cause depression.

Light will brighten your day:

It's true! many people who suffer from depression tend to close all of the blinds and remain in the dark, but light therapy may help by regulating the bodies production of melatonin.This hormone is in part responsible for the blues. Keep all curtains and drapes open and use full spectrum fluorescent lights in the home.

Exercise is a good way to feel good:

During exercise endorphins and other brain chemicals that are released produce a natural high that in turn promotes a good feeling for the individual. This is the good feeling that follows a really good work out. Exercise should be an important part of one's day not only for physical health, but for mental and emotional health. Optimistic people are happier people because of the way they view problems and life in general. They are also healthy and have strong immune defenses. This is what can be possible because of exercise.

Sound Therapy:

Music is another powerful solution against depression because it can set the mood for and of an individual. Think about when a husband and wife want a night to themselves, music sets the mood for that evening. One can play a sad song and feel depressed after a breakup or a happy song to snap out of it and move on with life.This is not a complete overview of depression because there are so many other reasons not discussed such as heredity and the need for positive drugs to help with depression.