Tips for handling depression
-
Try to accept your depression as an illness. You cannot will the
depression away.
-
Try to do things that you enjoy — visit friends, get a massage, take a
class — to get your mind off what may be contributing to the depression and
to focus on things that help you feel better.
-
Delay any big decisions or changes that involve work, love, or money until
you feel better.
-
It's common to be forgetful when you're depressed, stressed out, or
anxious. Take notes and make lists. Your memory will improve when you feel
better.
-
Waking through the night is very common. It's better to get out of bed
until you feel sleepy again. Repeated awakening in the early morning without
being able to return to sleep easily is a sign that medical evaluation is
needed.
-
Take naps when you can to keep up with
needed sleep.
-
Mornings are often the worst time. The day usually gets better towards
evening.
-
Avoid being home alone for long periods — the depressive thoughts can get
worse when no one is around.
-
Get outside at least once a day for a walk. Light to moderate exercise of
any kind can be very helpful to your recovery.
-
Don't try to "medicate" yourself with alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs.
These drugs may actually make you more depressed than you were to begin
with.
For more information:
Top of Page
|
Q & A
What is clinical
depression?
Is clinical depression
treatable?
Depression and suicide
Tips for handling depression
What to do if someone you love is depressed
Who is at risk for clinical depression?
Depression screening questionnaires
Other types of emotional and mental health problems
|
