We sometimes feel empty, sad, and fatigued and we lose interest in activities we usually enjoy. When this happens, it means that you are getting depressed. Depression is “a mood disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies.
Depression varies from mild to severe and this can be realized by the symptoms. There are a few steps that you have to keep in mind when trying to control depression or fight against it.
Embrace your depression
There is nothing wrong with having depression; it is very normal since depression affects millions of people. WHO stated that more than 264 million people are affected by depression so it is important to accept it and meet yourself where you are.
Learn about depression
It is important for people to get to know the triggers of their depression so they can avoid them and reduce depression. Knowing the symptom is also necessary as you can identify what level of depression you have reached.
Talk to someone
Reach someone who you feel comfortable to talk with, and reveal everything to him/her. This has proven very beneficial and can help people overcome difficult times. Besides, it reduces the feelings of loneliness and isolation. Once you cannot find a friend or a family member to talk to, don’t give up and try to reach a support group or see a therapist.
Don’t listen to the voice of depression.
The negative voice and the thoughts that are floating in your head may drive you insane. What you have to do is to recognize them and use logic instead as a weapon. Quieten the voice of negativity and listen to the still, calming voice of success that is inside you.
Set attainable goals
Write all things you want to achieve, categorize them according to what is the most prior, then make a list of the doable and realistic goals, clarifying the due date of each. A lengthy to-do list is not a good thing; and most likely, in the end, you will choose to do nothing.
An important thing you have to realize when setting goals is asking yourself whether these goals are measurable or not because they have to be measured. When you start feeling that you’re done with goals gradually, you will cheer yourself up.
Do something you enjoy
Depression steals the feeling of happiness towards doing the things you love from you. So, try to push back and do something you love that is energizing at the same time. It could be playing an instrument, painting, drawing, hiking, or listening to music. These activities can change your mood, which may help you overcome depression.
See a doctor
It depends on the individual’s symptoms to go to the doctor or not. If you are experiencing severe depression (thoughts of suicide), you should move quickly and see a doctor as the doctor will prescribe medications and provide support and guidance.
