It is not helpful to suggest to a friend who's depressed that they 'snap out of it.' If you are depressed, here are a few ways to bring yourself out of it.
Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: varies
Here's How:
- Walk or run. Exercise helps your body produce natural antidepressant chemicals.
- Spend time with people doing something you once enjoyed.
- Call a friend or relative you've lost touch with.
- See your family doctor for meds and a possible referral to a therapist.
- Notice whether you have expectations that set you up for depression - how you think things 'should' be.
- Be sure to get enough quality sleep - but get up after 8 hours or so.
- Eat a balanced diet and aim toward moderation in eating.
- Talk to someone or contact Befrienders.org if you have suicidal thoughts.
- Pick one or two small tasks that are easily accomplished and do them.
- Be sure that your surroundings are well lit - consider a S.A.D. light if you get depressed in winter.
- Consider complementary/alternative treatments - but discuss them with your M.D.
- Avoid alcohol and street drugs - which can make depression worse.
- Take a bath or shower, shave, and put on clean clothes.
- Do yard work or clean the house. This can bring a sense of accomplishment.
- Do volunteer work. Helping others can boost self-esteem.
Tips:
- In working with a doctor or therapist remember that you are partners. Don't expect them to do all the work.
- Surfing the web - in moderation - can help, but be careful that you aren't spending too many hours in front of the computer.
- Face-to-face support groups and therapy groups can also be really helpful.
