7 Essentials Things to do when you think you have Depression

Whether you’re a long-time sufferer of depression is something that’s new to you, it’s important to know what to do when the black dog comes around. These five essentials will help to lessen the impact of depression and make it easier for you to cope.

1. Make the depression visible

Write all your feelings out on a piece of paper, with no one to interrupt you. Put yourself in a peaceful environment and think about all the depression you have been going through lately. Write everything down so that you can understand what is going on inside your mind. All these thoughts will give you a clear image of depression and anxiety, so try to do it every day for a few days if possible.

2. Don’t be alone

Getting depression alone can be horrible, but depression, when you’re with others, can be just as bad. Try to meet up with people and socialize if depression is causing you to want to stay in bed all day. Sometimes depression doesn’t mean that we don’t want to see anyone; sometimes it’s the opposite – depression wants us to isolate ourselves from other people because of a fear of saying something wrong or bothersome. Being around other people while depressed can make things a little bit better, but only if they know what going on inside your head feels like. So tell them – make sure they understand depression and anxiety aren’t something you should ignore.

3. Get moving! Exercise

Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-lifting effects. So get your running shoes ready! Go for a walk, ride your bike, go swimming or do yoga.

4. Grab some pencils and paper

Take 5 minutes to sketch something you like. Grabbing art supplies can be especially helpful in depression.

5. Take care of yourself.

Make sure to get enough sleep and take breaks from stressors when needed.

6. Eat healthy supplies

Eat a healthy and balanced diet.

7. Do things that make you happy or help you relax.

If depression is especially bad, go see a therapist for depression coaching/healing. It’s important, beyond a point not to try and handle depression on your own because depression feeds off of stress and guilt; which will only make depression worse. Things like therapy, alternate medicine, healing, support groups, yoga, self-help books, etc.. can be very helpful because they take some of the weight off your shoulders by providing guidance and support from others who truly understand what depression feels like and are experts in providing that support to you.