7 Ways to Manage Mild Depression Associated with Hypothyroidism

Mild depression associated with hypothyroidism may be managed without additional drugs. This type of depression is symptomatic, not a condition, so tends to be intermittent rather than persistent. Where clinical depression can be debilitating and requires specific medical treatments, symptomatic depression is less severe and may be treated without medication.

The following ideas to help you manage your mild depression may seem overly simple or foolish, but you should try them before dismissing them.

1) Tell your spouse you are feeling depressed and therefore he or she should give you a present. You could ask for jewelry, gift certificates to a spa, or flowers. Tickets to a sporting event, new tools, music CDs or DVDs also make wonderful gifts.

This treatment gives you a sense of taking control. You stated the problem and put forth a solution. This alone will make you feel better.

A pretty necklace can be the catalyst you need to attend a social event, so you can show it off. A new drill may be just the thing to motivate you into building that bookcase. Action is an excellent way to dispel mild depression.

2) Go to the craft store and shop for a new hobby such as flower arranging, painting, needlework, picture framing, any activity that requires concentration. Hobbies are excellent stress relievers, and mild depression associated with hypothyroidism can be stress related. Hormonal fluctuations can induce anxiety, which in turn causes stress. Relieving that stress relieves the depression.

3) Put on your favorite music and dance. This is excellent advice even if you are not feeling depressed. It's a great way to exercise, reduce stress, and stimulate the muscles and the mind. Fatigue is as much a part of hypothyroidism as depression; this exercise addresses both.

4) Sit in front of a mirror, make yourself comfortable, and have a long talk with yourself. Tell yourself what you think about the upcoming election, the local sports teams, the newscaster you watch every evening. Be as amusing or serious as you like.

Allowing yourself to speak freely, to enjoy your own company is good for your self-esteem and your self-image. This one-way conversation may also lead you to inadvertently expose pent up fears, anxieties, or anger. Giving vent to these feelings may alleviate your mild depression.

5) Read a sad book or watch a sad movie. Because sadness in reality makes people uncomfortable, people don't allow themselves to cry. But crying releases emotional stress, and has a cleansing affect on the mind. Letting the movie or book trigger the tears makes it easier to let them flow.

6) Rearrange your furniture. This not only stimulates you physically, it gets your creative juices flowing. If budget allows, buy some new slipcovers for the couch and chairs, artwork for the walls, and colorful accessories.

Freshening your décor gives you a sense of accomplishment. One of the best ways to manage mild depression is to do things that make you feel good about yourself. Knowing you have the ability to create a beautiful room will lift your spirits. Your new style also gives you an excuse to invite a few friends over, to share in your accomplishment.

7) Buy a present for your spouse, your partner, your best friend. Taking the time to shop for someone else, having them in your thoughts is a positive act. This action works well with number 1, because putting someone else ahead of you, when you know they will do the same, leads to affirmation of your self worth, and the value of your relationships.

These suggestions are quick, easy plans of action to aid in feeling better. Should your depression become more persistent, if it is affecting your relationships and your lifestyle, you should consult with your physician. But if you are affected by mild depression associated with hypothyroidism, try these ideas. It's wonderful what a little something out of the ordinary can do for the spirit.