Tackling depression as early as possible may mean that you can address problems quickly and avoid symptoms becoming worse. The National Institute of Mental Health has an online publication that addresses questions such as:
- What Is Depression?
- What are the different forms of depression?
- What are the signs and symptoms of depression?
- What illnesses often co-exist with depression?
- What causes depression?
- How do women experience depression?
- How do children and adolescents experience depression?
- How is depression detected and treated?
- What if I or someone I know is in crisis?
There are ways to cope with depression such as planning activities that you enjoy (or used to enjoy). You may not enjoy them as much, however, try to focus on the reasons why you do and as you recover, you will begin to enjoy them again.
Healthy sleeping patterns are also important. It’s common for people who are feeling depressed to not sleep enough, or sleep too much. These type of sleeping patterns can make you feel worse, even when you’re not depressed. Try to establish patterns: Get up at the same time every morning, regardless of how tired you feel; avoid taking naps during the day; eliminate or cut back on tea, coffee, and soda.
Try to control negative thinking, or worrying, by writing down what it is that you’re worried about. Make a list of all the positive and negative outcomes, then think about how realistic your negative outcomes are. Think about the ways your skills, talents, and resources can help shift your negatives over to the positives.
Most of all, know that you are not alone. Tell your family and friends what you are going through. Talk to people who are supportive, and not to those who will just tell you to “get over it.”
Try to limit time spent on Social Media sites that tend to be filled with anger, hate, divisiveness — all of which helps sites like Facebook and Twitter increase ad revenue. According to a WhoIsHostingThis.com survey, Facebook is among the most “toxic” social media platforms – with 70% of respondents saying it is somewhat toxic. However, 69% of social media users surveyed said ignoring toxic posts was the best course of action
While there are alternative therapies that will help you (such as Meditation, Acupuncture, Bio Cranial, Chiropractic and nutritional supplements) major depression requires immediate professional help. In some cases, symptoms of depression are strong and persistent. Changes in lifestyle and attitude may have no effect. If this is the case, seek professional help immediately because this is a serious condition. Immediate medical help may be necessary when symptoms include:
• Significant sleep disturbance
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of energy
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness.