If you suffer from depression, you may find yourself struggling to get through each day. If so, use one or more of the following tips to help you cope with your condition, along with any other therapy your doctor has prescribed.
Pick Two Things You Want to Accomplish That Day
One thing you can do to help you cope with your feelings of depression or lack of self-worth is to pick just two things you want to do during the day. When you follow through with your plans, you can give yourself a feeling of accomplishment to make you feel better about yourself, even if it's just for a few hours.
Either before you go to bed or when your first wake up in the morning, think of two small tasks you can do. Even if it's just getting dressed and cleaning off the kitchen counter, you start feeling better about yourself, giving yourself a little reminder that you are capable of doing what you set your mind on doing. Write down your tasks, cross them off when completed, and pat yourself on the back.
Get Outside and Soak Up the Sun
Another thing you can do for yourself to help cope with depression is to get outside and soak up the sun. This can help you in two ways. First, forcing yourself to get out of the house helps you get out of the same surroundings and into the fresh air.
Second, when you soak up the sun, you are also absorbing vitamin D. Since vitamin D deficiency can suppress your brain's production of serotonin, getting out into the sunlight helps your body take in more of the nutrient and process it. Spending just 10-15 minutes a day in the sun could help improve your mood.
Spend Five Minutes Letting Out Your Feelings
Along with feeling sad, depression can also bring on feelings of anxiety, frustration, and anger. If you find yourself experiencing these emotions, give yourself five minutes a day to let them out.
If they are available, you could vent to a friend or family member. However, if no one is around, use your pillow. Scream into it, punch it or even throw it across the room. Let out all of those pent up emotions so that they no longer eat away at you.
The above three tips for coping with depression are just a few ways you can help yourself get through each day. For more tips or suggestions, you may want to discuss additional depression treatment measures with your doctor or therapist, like those at Dr Kuris Counseling Centers.
Share17 February 2017
When I initially started the therapy process about 10 years ago, I didn't take the time to scout out the right counselor. Instead, I just went to the first counselor that my doctor recommended, and the experience was less than enjoyable. I realized that I might need to do a little research to find the right counselor for me, so I took the time to carefully evaluate my needs and research different clinics in my area. I was able to find an amazing counselor who really seemed to have it under control, and it was incredibly beneficial to see the difference that it made. This blog is all about finding the right counselor.
