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Step 1
Exercise. Exercise helps lift depression. Take a walk outside four to five times a week for at least a half an hour. A psychologist once told me that runners hardly ever suffer from depression. If you're not already exercising, start a exercise program slowly. You'll be surprised at how soon you can move faster and exercise for longer periods of time. Soon you should feel more energy and less depressed.
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Step 2
Avoid alcohol, drugs, and nicotine. Alcohol is a depressant. Using drugs and nicotine diminish your body' s ability to detoxify itself. The better physical shape you're in, the better you will feel emotionally and the better you will be able to deal with depression.
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Step 3
Get a complete physical to eliminate any health problems that might be causing your depression. Sometimes conditions like a thyroid problem can cause depression. You might also need to adjust the dosage of any prescriptions you are taking.
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Step 4
To help you beat depression, eat as healthy as possible. Drink a lot of water. Take daily vitamins especially the "B" vitamins and omega-3 supplements.
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Step 5
Many people who are depressed come from families with alcohol or drug problems. You might have been or are being affected by some one else's drinking or drug use or have your own co-dependancy problems. There are 12 Step programs that can help you deal with underlying issues that might be affecting your depression. Check out Al-anon if your life is affected by someone else's drinking. Don't suffer alone.
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Step 6
Meditate and relax often. Find peace through nature, religion, spirituality or whatever works for you. There are many things you can do to deal with depression besides taking medication.
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Step 7
To deal with depression, seek psychological help especially if you are feeling a lot of anxiety, feeling like you cannot function in everyday activities, or feeling suicidal.
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Step 8
Find a self-help group that deals with depression. Be gentle with yourself. Remember, you are not alone. Many people suffer from depression.












Comments
bethjess39564 said
on 2/20/2009 Depression affects the entire family not just the depressed individual. Great sound advice.
momoftwingirls said
on 1/18/2009 Good article. Here is my article on depression:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4457749_treat-depression-essential-oils.html
dthere said
on 12/30/2008 But 'C' I love alcohol 'smile
thenannysden said
on 9/2/2008 You put a lot of heart into this and it is well appreciated.
amylaine said
on 7/24/2008 great article