How to Beat Depression: Do the Things You Used to Enjoy

Previously published in Examiner

If you are a Montrealer who is trying to recover from depression, you know all too well how hard it can be. Depression is not something that can just be willed away. Staying alone and isolating yourself only makes the depression worse. Reaching out for support is important, whether it be to family or friends; or if you have severe depression, you must seek therapy to help you through these trying times.

Here are some centers in Montreal for the treatment of depression

The Montreal Center for Anxiety and Depression
Montreal Clinic for Therapy Services

Interested individuals can seek hospital services and outpatient clinics around the city

Tips to help you through your depression and onto a better life.

Do what you enjoy

^{Do the things that make you happy or used to make you happy. They could have been thngs you enjoyed 20 years before, but they brought pleasure to your life.}

Maybe you used to needlepoint or knit and you enjoyed it.

Take it up again.

Maybe you enjoy being with children.

Join a children's group and be their leader, such as a girl guide leader, or reading to small children in the library on a volunteer basis. You can consider babysitting from your home.

Go to the movies or theater.

Don't stop going just because that one friend does not go anymore, find another friend to go with or go alone.

Take that long walk in the country and breath that fresh air.

Grow those beautiful flowers you love in your garden or back balcony.

Take up writing

Write in your journal or create stories and post them online; there is a big Internet full of people who would love to read them.

Start a home business

Start a little business from home, sell Avon, bake and sell cakes, or give them away what ever makes you happy.

to be continued

Sources
WEBMD