Depression Coping Methods

[anthony]

These are in no way sure-fire cures. Just try the ones you think might work. Some of them may seem silly or redundant (considering where we are), yet you never know who may need this information!

1. Recognize that the major responsibility for alleviating your depression lies with you. It is important to acknowledge it and be open to accepting help.

2. Read about depression in order to recognize the symptoms, causes, types and treatments.

3. Realize that depression may serve a purpose. It is best to face it and work through it, rather than avoid it.

4. Talk things over with an understanding friend or loved one. It is one factor that may help you avoid severe depression.

5. See a physician for a complete checkup and discussion of your symptoms.

6. Redirect energy in more constructive channels so there is more pleasure in your life. Pleasure is a source of energy. Take a break for a favourite activity, an evening out, a trip, etc.

7. Exercise helps you to relax, work off bottled-up tension and sleep better.

8. Lean into your pain. Allow yourself to experience the many feelings you get, such as anger, guilt, etc. Express your feelings - let out anger by hitting a pillow, swimming, screaming, hitting a punching bag, crying, etc. There are many safe, constructive ways of dealing with anger. *please remember that anger is a reaction to an emotion...see anger section*

9. Become involved with people: do volunteer work, help others.

10. Try to look at life more positively. Try not to expect that bad things will happen. Make efforts to believe that good things will happen.

11. Avoid extra stress or big changes when possible.

12. Practice deep breathing, which stimulates physical energy.

13. Remember that good nutrition is important for mental and physical health.

14. Seek professional help if depression is severe or persistent. It will not be as debilitating or as enduring as it would be if ignored or suffered alone.

15. Examine your feelings to figure out what's specifically troubling you and what can be done. Journalling is a good method to be used to detect a possible pattern.

16. Write down negative thoughts and sort through them for the ones you might be able to solve. Dealing with problems, one at a time, helps.

Bec

 

[Lauren]

Thanks Bec. CBT really helped me.....the only problem is that I avoided the feelings by always changing from a negative thought to a positive one. A good strategy is used appropriately. #15 is a really important component. The fact that I can make the choice to alleviate the depression makes me feel guilty when it lasts a long time. It's frustrating.