Depression

Depression is not something we are born with.

It takes place in your mind. It keeps you from your destiny and purpose in life. You have a future and purpose that was created unique, just for you.

We can all feel depressed at times, but it’s important to not live in that depression, don’t allow those thoughts or feelings to last more than a few hours. Change your outlook of how you see things. Be thankful for the things you can do and the people in your life instead of what you cannot do or things you do not have.

Depression is a ‘feeling’. We do not operate by how we feel; because our feelings most often do not line up with fact, and therefore we tend to make decisions based on feelings, and then regret those decisions.

Here are some simple ways to break the rut of depression:

Get into a routine. Set a daily schedule.
Set goals. No matter how small or insignificant you may think they are. Also, do not compare your goals to others.
Exercise – it boosts ‘feel-good’ chemicals called endorphins. . Regular exercise seems to encourage the brain to rewire itself in positive ways. You do not need to run marathons, just go for a leisurely walk or bike ride regularly.
Get enough sleep. Depression can make it hard to get enough sleep and too little sleep can make depression worse. Start by making some changes to your lifestyle. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Try not to nap. Try reading or play a brain game (like Sudoku) before going to bed.
Take on responsibilities. Stay involved with other people. Get a job. Volunteer at non-profit organizations, like the soup kitchen or maybe a retirement home. When you take the focus off of yourself and put it on others, your life doesn’t seem so bad. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment.
Challenge negative thoughts. In your fight against depression, a lot of the work is mental — changing how you think. When you’re depressed, you leap to the worst possible conclusions.

The next time you’re feeling terrible about yourself, use logic as a natural depression treatment. You might feel like no one likes you, but is there real evidence for that? You might feel like the most worthless person on the planet, but is that really likely? It takes practice, but in time you can beat back those negative thoughts before they get out of control.

Do something new. When you’re depressed, you’re in a rut. Push yourself to do something different. Go to a museum. Go to the park and read a book. Take a language class. The ideas are endless.

When we challenge ourselves to do something different, there are chemical changes in the brain, trying something new alters the levels of the brain chemical, dopamine, which is associated with pleasure, enjoyment, and learning.

Try to have fun. If you’re depressed, make time for things you enjoy. If nothing seems fun anymore, that’s just a symptom of depression. You have to keep trying anyway.

As strange as it might sound, you have to work at having fun. Plan things you used to enjoy, even if they feel like a chore. Keep going to the movies. Keep going out with friends for dinner.

Remember: You are victorious and an over-comer!