How to Deal With Life When You're Depressed

It's hard to handle your career, your family responsibilities, even making dinner when you're depressed. Tedious tasks become overwhelming and even the most routine day can seem impossible. While professional treatment may be necessary, there are steps you can take to make life easier to handle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Ask for help. Your family and friends don't want to see you suffer. Chances are, they'll be all too glad to lend a hand where they can. So don't be shy. Ask them to babysit, help you get your house in order, do the shopping or whatever else you need done.
2. Exercise. Mild exercise can help raise endorphins, or "feel-good" chemicals, in your brain.
3. Be social. It may be the last thing you want to do, but being with other people (even if it's strangers at a ball game) can distract you from depression. Participating in something you really love can also make you feel better.
4. Break big tasks into smaller ones. Instead of saying, "I've got to clean out the garage," tell yourself you'll tackle one shelf a day until you've completed the job.
5. Hold off on making big decisions. When you're mind is cloudy and your thinking unfocused is not the time to change jobs, buy a new house or decide to have a baby. Wait until you're feeling better and then talk it over with those closest to you.

Tips & Warnings

• Be realistic. Give yourself time to get better. With the right treatment, it will happen gradually.