DEPRESSION
Depression is more than just sadness. People with depression may experience a lack of interest and pleasure in daily activities, significant weight loss or gain, insomnia or excessive sleeping, lack of energy, inability to concentrate, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. Depression can seriously impair a person's ability to function in everyday situations. But the prospects for recovery for depressed individuals who seek professional care are very good. Depression is the most common mental disorder. Fortunately, depression is treatable. A combination of therapy and antidepressant medication can help ensure recovery.
SEEK THE RIGHT KIND OF SUPPORT
Social isolation increases the risk of depression. But it turns out that spending too much time discussing problems with friends could actually increase depression as well.
Nolen-Hoeksema offers tips on how to stop ruminating:
- Distract yourself with meditation or prayer
- Take small steps to begin solving problems.
- Reappraise negative thoughts about events or other people’s expectations.
- Let go of unattainable goals.
- Develop multiple sources of self-esteem.
EXERCISE
Exercise is an effective, cost-effective treatment for depression and may help in the treatment of other mental disorders. Evidence of the antidepressant benefits of exercise is being used by psychotherapists and other health practitioners who are increasingly recommending exercise to their patients as part of a treatment program. This research is also now being applied in books and articles that guide people toward happier living. In her 2002 book, Move your body, tone your mood, psychologist Kate Hays, PhD, suggests that if you are depressed and are considering exercise, the following are advisable:
Review your health status with your health care provider and obtain clearance to exercise.
Begin exercise gradually and set reasonable goals for yourself. There is no one form of exercise guaranteed to lift depression. For many people, walking, running, or swimming is helpful, but some people value yoga and others feel emotionally as well as physically strengthened by weight lifting. This is an opportunity for personal experimentation.
Exercise may be an opportunity to increase contact with other people, especially if depression has resulted in decreased connection with others. Many people find that they can stick to their exercise plan if they work out with a friend who has similar goals.
Pay attention even to minor changes in your mood to evaluate what form of exercise or exercise intensity is most helpful to you.
