Depression can be quite perplexing. It manifests differently in each person, and what works for one person may not work for another – marking it hard to find a solution that works for everyone. Let’s explore nine different habits to manage depression together.
1. Find your community
Your community plays a role in promoting and supporting good mental health. Sharing your feelings and experiences can help you feel less isolated, a sense of belonging, purpose, or fulfillment.
The short of it is: Surround yourself with understanding and supportive individuals, whether it’s friends, family members, or support groups.
2. Exercise regularly
Physical exercise reduces stress, regulates your mood, and positively impacts your mood.
The short of it is: Find a physical activity you enjoy, such as walking, swimming, yoga, or dancing. And do it regularly. You may notice an improved mood and lessen depression symptoms.
3. Create healthy routines
I thrive with structure – and that’s no surprise because our bodies love routines. They can provide a sense of stability and purpose, which can help you cope with and manage your depression.
The short of it is: A healthy routine that includes regular sleep patterns/habits, nutritious meals, and enjoyable activities can help you better cope with your depression.
4. Practice self-care
Self-care activities are those that promote care, compassion, and well-being. They include practicing mindfulness or meditation, exploring new hobbies, traveling, exercising – or anything else that fills you.
The short of it is: You are responsible for caring for you. Create a self-care plan.
5. Make Smart Goals
Depression affects your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors – and can make it hard to accomplish your goals. To help break tasks into small, manageable steps – this also helps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. When you start with small, achievable goals – and reach them – you feel a sense of accomplishment.
The short of it is: Starting with realistic goals helps you feel success that you can build on.
6. Challenge your negative thoughts.
Depression often involves negative thought patterns. You can practice retraining or restructuring your thoughts to improve your mental health by questioning/challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with more positive and realistic ones.
The short of it is: You can change your mental health by changing your thoughts. The next time you’re in a depressive episode, try challenging or reframing your thoughts.
7. Don’t self-medicate
You may feel inclined to use substances or behaviors like food, alcohol, smoking, and sex to cope with your emotional stress or alleviate negative feelings you experience because they do make you feel better. But it’s important to remember that your relief is only temporary. And consider the risk that these things might worsen your symptoms or interfere with other treatments.
The short of it is: Self-medicating is never a good idea. It’s not a healthy or practical solution for managing your depression.
8. Get out
Vitamin D is essential for your mental health. And sunlight is an excellent source of vitamin D. Aside from that when you’re outdoors, you’re moving, which also helps boost your mood and relieve your symptoms.
The short of it is: Spending time outdoors can positively impact your mood and overall well-being.
9. Try alternative therapies
Medication is not for everyone, whatever the reason – no judgment. Some people find relaxing techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, or acupuncture, helpful in managing depression.
The short of it is: Medication isn’t the only way to manage depression. Complementary or alternative therapies may work.
The Takeaway
If you struggle to manage your depression, you may benefit from implementing one of these habits. It’s important to remember that depression presents uniquely – so what helps one person may not help you better cope with your depression. And as always, this content does not replace medical advice. You should consult a qualified mental health professional if your depression worsens or becomes harder to manage. They can offer personalized care and guidance to help you get the best care possible.