Turn it around Tuesday

Beating Depression

I've battled with depression my entire life. I've been on countless medications, only to find myself feeling lost and numb. I never quite figured out what was going on.

I watched my mother battle depression, and even to this day, she is in a daily - constant struggle.

Some days, I really have to fight to stay positive, and some days I lose, but what is most important, is that I always come out of it.

Here is a great website I found, that has awesome information about overcoming your depression.

http://www.lifedynamix.com/articles/Mental-Health/Tips_Overcoming_Depression.html

1. Recognise and acknowledge it.
Recognise that life is full of ups and downs and even though now you may be feeling unable to cope, it will not last forever. Know that you are not a failure for being depressed, you are brave for addressing it and wanting to overcome it.

2. Be aware of your thoughts toward yourself.
You will just add to your depression if you get up every morning and tell yourself how depressed you are feeling and how difficult life is for you. Focus on the positive. There is at least one good thing in your world. Maybe it's your family, children, hobby, job, friends or church. Think about it when you are feeling down and of how lucky you are to have it in your world.

3. Develop an attitude of gratefulness.
Many people feel depressed when they look at the negative conditions in their life. Learn to think and dwell on the positive. Get somebody to help you and pull you up each time you begin to complain about something. Find one thing every day to be grateful about.

4. Avoid substances that can cause mood swings such as alcohol, caffeine and high sugar foods.

5. Keep yourself busy.
When you are active, your mind has the chance to wander and focus on negative thoughts that cause you to become depressed. Find something that you love to do, something you are passionate about. Maybe cooking, making crafts, animals, web design. When you find your passion, get busy working on it and keep yourself busy.

6 Exercise regularly.
Outdoor exercise is a key element in recovery. If you are sitting in a dark room all day with the TV on and the curtains drawn, it won't make you feel good about yourself! Get out at least once a day into the fresh air. Go for a walk for 20 minutes or a jog. If you are on medication, always consult your doctor before starting up a regular exercise regime.

7. Go out of your way to do something for someone else each day.
When you are feeling depressed, usually all you thoughts and mood are focused on you. Turn your attention to somebody far worse off then you and then start to reach out to them. You can do this by volunteering for a local charity, taking a group trip to a 3rd world country, visiting a lonely elderly neighbor. It will do you so much good because it takes your attention off your own problems or grief and helps you practically help somebody else in the midst of your own pain.

In overcoming depression, remember that
“You haven't lost your smile at all, it's right under your nose. You just forgot it was there.”