How to Overcome Depression When Life Seems Hopeless

Depression

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By Michele L Tune
eHow Community Member

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Depression is all around us today. From children to teens and the average, middle-aged adult to the elderly - it's everywhere. Depression knows no boundaries. It attacks and consumes the poor, middle class, different races, even the wealthy. It doesn't matter if you have a job, all the money in the world, the best family - everything your heart could ever desire. You can still battle depression. You don't have to live the rest of your life in a saddened, depressed and hopeless state, though. Let's take a look at ways to cope with depression - whether you battle it, or someone you care about does.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Desire
Willingness
Notebook
Pen
Support

Step 1

Natural Supplements

Most people don't realize their body can be lacking in something. They think if they're depressed they need prescription medications (and perhaps that's the best choice for them) but for me, and for many of you who prefer to go the natural route, natural supplements can prove to be "miracles". I've battled depression in the past myself - severe depression - after barely surviving domestic violence. (Many people would argue the fact, but a deficiency in amino acids can cause bi-polar symptoms.) The supplements that were lifesavers for me were St. John's Wort and a nerve tonic. With these, I began to feel better - more like myself - and was able to quit taking prescription anti-depressants. I'm still free of those prescription anti-depressants years later!
Step 2

Rebounding

Rebounding (or any exercise, for that matter) is an excellent way to cheer yourself up. The endorphins in your brain will make you feel better, happier even. Jumping on a trampoline is such fun, though, and will even make the inner kid in you come out. You'll feel carefree and like the burdens of this world aren't so great. Take the time and money to invest in a small rebounder. You can pick them up at garage sales, outdoor markets, or even the Goodwill, for very fair prices. If you have the extra money, you can even order a brand new one online. Use it daily once you get it, and you'll see a huge difference in your attitude, how well you rest at night, and you'll be healthier - can't beat that!
Step 3

Pray

Would you consider praying? Pray as if you're simply talking to your best friend. Talk out loud and share your heart, your thoughts, your fears, worries, your hopes and your dreams. Give your burdens to a Higher Power - instead of carrying the load yourself. You'll feel lighter as the burdens of this world are lifted off your shoulders!
Step 4

Volunteer

Volunteer at a local shelter or mission. When you see how much worse off others are than you are, you'll automatically feel more grateful for what you do have in life and this will help your outlook. Many times as we put our effort, time, and thoughts into helping others, our focus is taken off of ourselves and placed on them. Once you're busy doing for others and helping them better their lives, you'll forget all about being depressed!

Comments

margustin said

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on 3/17/2009 I see you only post what is appealing for your advertisments...Dove...come on. This is bunk and you know it. You want people to feel good about themselves and then you send them junk emails.