A Two-Step Plan to Fight Depression

Most people have been there: all you want is sleep and the world to end. You may be onto something. The world isn't as sunny perfect as psychologists would like us to believe. SOME depression is natural. There are wars, famine, child violence, poverty, and all kinds of twisted things going on in the world. Dark things happen in our own backyard. It can be overwhelming. The feeling of lack of control, whether on a personal or worldly scale is what you should feel from time to time.

However, killing yourself slowly by overeating, drug use, or sleeping all day isn't the answer. That kind of behavior doesn't help you or anyone else. The first thing to realize is that you aren't a bad person for feeling depressed. The world isn't always kind. However, do not let your emotions destroy your life. This is easier said than done.

To start with, if you are depressed over a permanent issue like death or the end of a relationship your path is simple. Wait for it to get less painful and try not to do anything irrational in the meantime.

The steps that follow are not for permanent depression causers. They are more suited towards dealing with the subtle little things in life that creep up and pull you down. Also, these ideas work towards fighting things that are able to change.

The idea is to clear your head and then work towards making life less miserable.

Step 1: Try to Clear Your Head

Exercise

It doesn't have to be heavy exercise, although that will release endorphins. A slow walk outside in the sunshine (or evening air) should help. Walking and sun are probably the last things a depressed mind wants. However, force your body to move if possible. The walk won't help immediately. Try to keep it going for about twenty minutes and the suffocating feeling should lessen a small amount.

Friends/Family

Communing with a friend of family member you trust and enjoy can help you more than you might realize. Also, if you are having problems with someone that's causing you to feel down, communicating with them and trying to resolve these issues should be at the top of the list. Allowing that they aren't the type of relation destroying topics-however, such things must be dealt with at some point.

Talking with people is proven to help. That's what therapists have made a living doing. You don't necessarily have to pay for a therapist if you have a friend you know will listen and not judge. Especially if it's someone you know can give you good advice.

Do what you enjoy, even if you don't feel like it

The greatest enemy you face in depression is the feeling that everything is awful and pointless and doesn't offer you anything. However, this isn't always true. Depending on how far gone you are, doing the things you remember bringing you happiness might help. You sit down to it and your mind groans, but keep at it for a little while. The main focus here is to keep yourself from sleeping all day.

Something Therapeutic

Writing, art, music, reading, movies. Everyone needs to be out of reality for a short while.

Step 2: Set Goals

Once you feel your head is a little clearer you can move to step 2. This is where you sit down and write out what's bothering you. Make lists of the things you can change and things that are beyond your ability. Focus on the things that are changeable and make a list of steps you can take towards changing these things.

Try to take one action a day that will work towards one of your goals. If you forget the first day or don't feel up to it, then don't worry. There's no use in beating yourself up. Try again when you are ready.

One last note: Some depression can be worked through without the use of medication. However, some people do need professional help. If you are honest with yourself, you know who you are. There's no shame in seeking outside help.