This article presents a list of tips to help one cope with depression and anxiety says, Brian C Jensen.
Depression is a deadly disease that can affect anyone regardless of their age, race, or sex. In the U.S., around 1 in 10 people will suffer from some form of clinical depression at least once in their lifetime according to statistics from the National Mental Health Association. Depression affects not just those who have it but also their family members and friends as well as other people who are close to them. Coping with this condition is never an easy task. One has to fight against constant weakness, loss of interest in anything they used to love doing, total lack of motivation and hope as well as suicidal thoughts; all at the same time without losing strength and becoming dependent on anyone else.
The goal of this article is to provide readers with some tips that they can follow in order to cope with depression and anxiety. The first part of the article presents a list of things one can do while the second part outlines how other people (family members, friends, etc.) can help those who are suffering from depression.
1) Avoid self-medication:
Depression is an emotional condition that requires proper medical attention if it is to be treated successfully. Self-medication will only worsen the situation as alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes all numb the person’s senses which will make them lose even more hope about life and turn their lives into a complete mess.
2) Take care of your diet:
One must not allow anxiety and depression to affect what one eat. You should not ignore your nutritional needs because you are simply too depressed or anxious to do anything. Eat small meals at regular intervals instead of three large ones per day. Avoid junk food if possible as it does more harm than good for the body and mind says Brian C Jensen.
3) Limit caffeine intake:
While coffee might provide some sort of relief, one should avoid drinking too much of it as caffeine is known to make depression worse in people who are sensitive to it. If you find out that your anxiety levels increase after drinking coffee, switch over to decaf or drink normal tea instead (preferably without sugar).
4) Exercise regularly:
Exercising on a daily basis will help improve one’s mood because it releases endorphins which are known to make people happy. You can start out by doing some simple stretches or taking a relaxing walk around the neighborhood for 10 to 15 minutes every day.
5) Spend time with friends and family:
People who suffer from depression often find themselves alone in their rooms most times of the day; this only makes their condition worse. Depression causes one to lose interest in activities that they previously loved doing so finding something new to do is important. If you don’t want to go out, spend time with your friends on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter either by sharing posts, liking updates etc. If you don’t have any friends nearby, connect with family members through Skype or over the phone if possible.
6) Seek professional help:
If you find that your depression or anxiety is worsening with time and you are finding it difficult to cope, it is best to seek professional help from a counselor or therapist. They will be able to guide you through the treatment process and provide you with the necessary support.
7) Take some time for yourself:
This does not mean that you should lock yourself up in your room and ignore everyone else. It simply means that you should take some time out for yourself to relax and do something that you enjoy without feeling guilty about it. This can be anything from reading a book to taking a hot bath.
8) Avoid stressors:
Stressful situations will only aggravate one’s anxiety and depression so it is best to avoid them if possible. If that is not possible, try to deal with them in a healthy manner instead of ignoring them or taking them out on other people explains Brian C Jensen.
9) Seek spiritual support:
Spiritual support can come in many different forms such as praying, attending religious services, meditating, etc. All these activities help one connect with their inner selves who can provide some relief from the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
10) Keep a positive attitude:
Last but not least, keep a positive attitude even when things are tough. This does not mean that you have to be happy all the time but rather find something to appreciate in every situation. It could be something as simple as the sun shining bright or the flowers in bloom. Having a positive attitude will help you get through difficult times a lot easier.
Conclusion:
The key to dealing with anxiety and depression is to take things one step at a time and not to rush things explains Brian C Jensen. It is important to be patient and allow the treatment to take its course. In the meantime, don’t forget to take care of yourself by following the tips listed above. Stay strong!