Self-Help Suggestions for Overcoming Depression
Tips for Depressed People Looking to Find Happiness and Inner Peace
Dec 5, 2008
Overcoming depression and moving toward finding happiness and inner peace begins with seeking the proper professional treatment, but it should not end there. Effective self-help methods for treating depression include being patient and committed to overcoming depression, setting realistic goals, taking good care of oneself, laughing daily, and exercising regularly.
Be Patient and Committed to Overcoming Depression
If one has suffered from depression for some time, one should not expect to magically wake up one day and feel completely fine, after no work or effort. Overcoming depression takes time, effort, and patience — plus a deep desire to not stay depressed coupled with a firm belief that depression can be overcome. Using the power of positive thinking can help reaffirm this belief on a daily basis.
Be as patient with oneself in this process as one would be when teaching a small child how to talk or walk. Baby steps are expected, as are stumbles, collapses, and total meltdowns. Don’t take slip ups too seriously, and don’t let them plunge one back to square one. Backsliding will happen, so just make an effort to move on after it does. Strive to continue the healing process without dwelling on the misstep.
Set Goals for Yourself — But be Realistic
It’s been demonstrated that people perform better when they’re given a goal to work toward — but that goal must be realistic. One does not want to set oneself up for failure by trying to take on too much at once. For example, if person struggles with overcoming addictions to alcohol and tobacco, ditching both at once might be too monumental. Selecting one to work on curtailing at a time would be more realistic.
Make a list of goals, both those specifically associated with depression, as well as more general life goals. Categorize them into short, medium, and long-term goals. Use them as guidelines to encourage growth and focus, but not as absolutes or judgments of one’s success as a person. One short-term goal with depression might include staying calm and finding something positive to say or think every time something goes wrong.
Taking Care of Oneself
A person’s body must be properly nourished and cared for in order to function properly — mentally, physically, and emotionally. Encourage a sense of inner wellbeing by putting as much effort into caring for the body’s needs as one would put into maintaining a shiny new sports car. Create a healthy diet (with the help of a professional, if necessary), get enough sleep, and add regular exercise and laughter to one’s world.
Laughter and Exercise
Make time for both of these activities in one’s day. The health benefits of laughter stretch beyond simply an improved mental state. Find something to laugh about daily, whether it’s a funny television show or movie, the antics of a pet or children, a hilarious blog, or a goofy friend's banter.
Likewise, regular exercise can improve one’s mood tremendously as well as bringing all sorts of health benefits. Add this to the list of goals, and again, start slowly to achieve success. Consider trying a new athletic endeavor one’s always been interested in checking out, such as indoor rock climbing or yoga. This can expand one’s social sphere as well — another way to work against depression.
Find Happiness and Inner Peace
Alongside the essential of seeking professional help for treating depression, self-help options abound for depressed people looking to find happiness and inner peace. These include being patient and committed to overcoming depression, setting goals, taking care of oneself, and regular exercise and laughter.
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