Depression

Everyone has experienced feelings of depression at one time or another. These feelings commonly follow loss or disappointment and they usually pass in a few hours or days. When depressive feelings, however, persist and interfere with one's health and social well-being, intervention or professional help may be helpful. 

Strategies for Addressing Depression

• Gain insight from the causes of your depression and gain power over how you handle the stress.
• Be aware of the cause of your depression and try to be optimistic about the future.
• Try to be aware of your negative thoughts and replace them with positive ideas.
• Focus on your positive experiences.
• Make a weekly list of your positive accomplishments.
• Get socially active.
• Make a weekly schedule of your daily activities and do not forget to include social activities.
• Find a hobby or two.
• Exercise daily.
• Use self-relaxation techniques whenever you feel tense. For example, slowly breathe in and out for several minutes until your whole body feels relaxed.
• Do some volunteer work to keep you active.
• Set realistic goals.
• Learn to accept that everyone has different abilities and focus on your unique characteristics and positive accomplishments.
• Be assertive when you are expressing anger.
• Try to know and develop your strengths.

Get professional help if symptoms of depression persist.

 

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