George was my best friend in college. We had met in the first year and hit it off immediately. The first two years, we were inseparable, always studying together and hanging out on weekends.
In our third year, things changed. George began to distance himself, stopped going out, and stopped attending our classes. After several weeks of trying to contact him, I finally convinced him to meet me for coffee. He then told me he was struggling with depression. He told me he was stuck in a cycle of sadness and lost control of his life.
Emma, another great friend, confessed to me, “When I realized my depression was severe, I knew I had to act. I had to try something new and fight it. Firstly, I changed my diet. Today, I eat healthier, drink lots of water, and avoid processed foods. I take a multivitamin every day to stay in shape. Secondly, I get enough sleep. I go to bed early and follow a regular sleep schedule. And I get up early every morning.”
We all go through days when we are depressed, exhausted, and unhappy. We need moments like this. Otherwise, how would you know when everything is joy? We require something to contrast your happiness. Although sadness is part of life, we should make it a small piece of our story, and not a problem that affects us throughout our lives.
Depression is a psychological, biological, and social difficulty that impacts millions of people. Although there is no cure, there are treatments that can help sufferers of depression lead everyday and happy life. Depression changes how a person thinks, feels, and sees the world around them. These changes have negative consequences on behavior towards others and oneself. If a person feels sad and depressed for a long time, they are likely suffering from depression. Identifying the symptoms of depression is the first step in the recovery process.
All treatment options require talk therapy, medication, or a combination. Thanks to others, living with depression can be less complicated—many who have suffered from depression recover and live their entire lives.
Some people find relief from depression by eating foods or dietary supplements that increase the level of tryptophan. Tryptophan is a class of amino acids responsible for the production of serotonin. A study also proves that a diet rich in carbohydrates helps fight depression. Moreover, vitamin B, vitamin C, and calcium are associated with some protection against depression.
Here are some tips to improve your mood when you are feeling depressed. They are easy to do, easy to practice daily, and effective!
1 – Stand up straight, sit up straight. When the body is aligned, energy flows freely, and when energy flows freely, thoughts are always positive, with no place to be depressed.
2 – Smile! Yes, smile. Easy to do and with good results.
3 – Repeat positive affirmations. Expressions like “I feel good!,” “Positive energy flows through my body,” and “I see the good in everything” help against depression.
4 – Listen to music. Studies indicate that classical music is the most effective.
5 – Take a break, relax and read a book. What kind of reading? Examples: humor, entrepreneurship, history, business, romance. Never read a horror book!
6 – Meditation is an excellent habit. Try some meditation CDs or search for “meditation music” on YouTube.
7 – Seek help. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, counselor, or therapist. Talking to someone helps you feel less alone.
8 – Exercise. Exercise reduces symptoms of depression and increases overall well-being. Even if it’s just a short walk around the block, getting up and moving your body wonders for your mental health. A good tip: Whenever you are sad, realize it’s all in your mind and that you can change any negative perception.
