Get moving. Studies show that those who take some form of exercise daily have a better chance at lowering their depression. “Getting sweaty in your spare time means you’ll be twice as likely to stave off depression than someone who doesn’t” declares the Daily Mail. Take a walk, borrow a neighbour’s dog, go out with a friend, do stretches – it doesn’t have to be a strenuous work out, nor do you need to spend money on joining a gym.
Fix your diet. A diet high in junk food, alcohol and smoking can cause feelings of sluggishness, lead to constipation and other digestive disorders. Dietary issues can lead to feeling unwell and depressed. Replacing your diet with highly nutritious food such as vegetables and fruit, whole grains and whole foods will pay dividends. Get yourself a colonic for a good clear out, then drink more water! Have a glass of water beside you to sip during the day. Drinking fruit juice does not replace your vitamins in the same way that a piece of fruit (with all the fibre content) will. Fruit juice can lead to weight gain – it is fluid without the goodness as all the goodness has been processed away! Alcohol increases your susceptibility to depression, *even* if you drink when you’re happy or celebrating. Alcohol increases your susceptibility to weight gain. Calories in a bag of crisps (35g): 180kcal. Calories in a large glass of red wine (250 mls): 191. Often we consume both at the same time! Weight gain can lead to depression! So “fixing your diet” will not only improve your depression but it will help you lose weight!
Get sociable, engage with people. Although this doesn’t necessarily fight off feelings of loneliness, having a social support network can definitely help with beating feelings of depression. However this does mean *engaging* with people, sharing your story and seeking support. People love to help and support others in the right context.
2. EXERCISE AND GET MOVING
Carrying out exercise releases endorphines
which is a natural stimulant
It doesn’t have to be a gym workout
Get out of the house and go for a walk
Exercise helps clear the mind
3. EAT PROPERLY
Junk food, alcohol and smoking leave the
body feeling sluggish
Eat more fruit and veg
Drink more water than usual
4. DONT BE A RECLUSE
Socialise with friends and colleagues
Engage with people
People love to provide help and support
TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH
5. REGAIN YOU INTERESTS
Before feeling depressed what were you
interested in?
Everyone had something they enjoyed be for
the pressures got too much
Look for hobby groups and meets in your
area
6. IDENTIFY AND SORT OUT YOUR PROBLEMS
Make a list of the issues and problems going
around your mind
Work out how to tackle the easiest one (seek
guidance and professional help if needed)
Speak to friends, family and someone
impartial about your problems
Take ACTION
7. STOP COMPLAINING
Complaining about things can reinforce
depression
If you do what you’ve always done, you will
get what you have always got
8. BE REALISITIC
Set realistic goals not “I want to lose 2 stone
in a week” although possible this is really
dangerous and unachievable.
Plan steps needed to achieve your goal and
approach one at a time
9. MAKE CHANGES
Make changes but one at a time so they are
achievable.
Set out dates in the future for when you want
to change. This will allow you to prepare
yourself and even look forward to it
10. INFLUENCE YOUR THINKING
Think positively and be proactive.
Instead of “I dont want to be here” to “I want
to be in Paris in a years time”
11. MORE TIPS AND ADVICE
You can get more ideas on how to treat
postpartum depression in “End Your
Depression.” The guide suggests many
different ways to deal with and manage
depression, no matter what the type or
cause.
