Depression Self-Help

Clinical depression can be identified as a state of constantly being sad for no reason at all. People suffering from this type of depression has no motivation to do anything, in some extreme cases these people would have no motivation or interest to even continue living, which will eventually drive them to suicide attempts. It is a very serious illness and should be treated with professional help.

If you are suffering Clinical Depression or if you suspect so, the foremost thing you have to do is seek help. You cannot treat depression by yourself. Confess to a trusted friend, or a family member, or check out your local counseling center.

There are certain things you can do/avoid to control you depression in your every day life. Just believe and have deep faith in your self that depression can be treated. That you will overcome your depression no matter what just because you have a life worth living.

First of all, come to term with your problem. Admit to yourself that you are suffering a major illness, that you need treatment. Then be prepared to feel tired, sad, irritable, lazy, unmotivated, and apathetic for no reason at all. When you face these feelings, try to tell yourself that these are just part of your illness, which you are treating anyway. Don’t focus on your feelings too much.

If you are on medication (which are prescribed by professional physician), make sure you abide the prescribed dosage and take your medication on time. Take extreme caution not to fall in substance abuse. This is an easy trap since you have the drugs and you already know its calming effect. Being addicted will make your situation only worse. If you are getting addicted, consult your doctor.

Make it a habit to go to sleep early and wake up early. Even if you cannot sleep, just be on bed at roughly same time every night. Do not indulge your self in thinking about all your problems in your bed. Try reading a light novel or drink a cup of hot chocolate instead.

Try to go for jogging or walking early in the morning. The morning sun is good. It will make you happy and in does regulate your sleeping pattern.

Eat, at regular, healthy interval, in roughly the same time everyday. Eat even if you are not hungry. Eat healthy food. Try not to snack too much. But be very careful. Don’t over-eat. It is very common for people to control their depression with eating. This is very unhealthy and will not help you to cope with your illness.

Try to do a lot of physical activities. Especially exercise. Try yoga, tai-chi, aerobic, or just walking. It is well known that exercise lifts out your depression. As an added advantage, you will have a healthy beautiful, shapely body, more reason for you to life your life happily.

Try not to be alone too much. Being alone will make you feel lonely, unwanted, unworthy etc. Try to spend more time with your love ones. Or even make new friends. Join a reading-circle, get online and find any hobbyist club that interests you. Mingle.

These are few tips that I can think of. Just remember that Depression is just an ailment. You can treat it and overcome it.

If at anytime, you lose control of yourself because of your depression, if you feel suicidal, please call the suicide help line (for US only) 1-800-273-TALK.

You can call this number even if you don’t feel suicidal and you just need someone to talk to you. If you are feeling too depressed and there is no one around to help you, and you do not know where to call, just dial the emergency number (depending on countries: 999/911). If you are mobile, head straight to the nearest hospital emergency room. Somebody will be there to help you. Just don’t stay alone.

For the rest of us,

If you have a friend or a family member who you suspect suffers Depression, please help him/her. A few years ago, I lost a friend. He suffered Depression alone. I was not there when he needed me. I took all his melancholic talk about being worthless and lonely lightly. He was literally begging me to help him, but I didn’t hear. Then one day, he was gone. He ended up his own life. I never quite forgave myself for that. If your friend tried to reach you, please extend you hand.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not to be treated as a Professional Help. It is just a general guide which I feel like sharing.