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Every day can feel like a struggle when you’re depressed. Medical care and counseling are the most important steps to recovery. But there are things you can do now to help yourself feel better:
- Spot early symptoms. Learn to recognize and treat depression as early as possible. Watch for the types of events that led to depression in the past. Be alert for early symptoms.
- Set goals you can reach. You may feel overwhelmed by everything you “should” do at home or at work. Don’t be hard on yourself. Remember that depression is an illness. You can’t force yourself out of it. Focus on small, realistic goals. This will help you ease back into your work and family routine.
- Do what you enjoy. Even if you don’t really feel like it, try doing things that you like. See your friends. Take a walk. Go to the movies. Take up a hobby that you set aside years ago.
- Don’t make big decisions. Depression can affect your outlook. So, try to avoid making any big decisions, like quitting a job or moving, until you feel better.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can make depression worse. Depressed people are at risk for substance abuse problems. Also, alcohol interacts with some medicines for depression.
- Physical activity. Physical activity may help reduce depression symptoms. When you’re thinking about an exercise plan, start slowly. Talk with your doctor, and then find an activity that you like. Work up to exercising three times a week. Always talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program. This is especially important, if you have a medical condition or have not exercised much.
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