Don’t Let Depression Control You
Millions of women suffer from depression every single year. It is by far the most common mental health problem in the world today. If you’re feeling sad, it’s always sensible to mention it to your doctor. There is a lot of help out there, and you don’t have to take medication if you object. However, there are also many self-help strategies you could follow. In many instances, you are the only person who can lift your mood and turn things around. With that in mind, I’ve listed some ideas on this page that you might like to try. Whatever you decide, I hope you start feeling better soon.
- Consume a healthy diet
Research shows that foods high in sugar and fat can affect your mood. If you feel depressed already, you could make things worse. So, you should make a list of healthy meals you can make every day. You can then head out to your local store and purchase the ingredients. Try to leave all that junk food on the shelves because it only messes with your brain. Ideally, you should aim to consume as much fruit and vegetables as you can. Also, try to avoid fizzy drinks or anything that contains high levels of caffeine. That substance works to increase your energy levels. However, there is always a low after the high.
- Beat your addictions
Many people who suffer from long-term depression will develop addictions in one form or another. That is because you identify substances that make you feel better. Psychologically, your brain becomes addicted because those items lift your mood. However, it’s only a temporary solution, and certain things can harm your body. So, it’s wise to turn things around as soon as possible. Maybe you need to contact an alcohol rehab center for advice? Perhaps you should speak to your doctor about assistance for stopping smoking?
- Try to become as active as possible
Exercise is the best way to increase serotonin levels in your brain naturally. That’s the chemical that determines how happy you feel. Most of the popular antidepressants on the market work on that substance. So, if you don’t want to take the meds, you could benefit from joining a local gym. Don’t worry if you don’t like the idea of spending time with other people. You could purchase some fitness DVDs and work out at home. You could even jog around your local streets or go for walks alone. If you have a pet, use it as an excuse to give them some exercise too.
Whatever you decide to do this year, just try to take a holistic approach. At the end of the day, people who start to take medication will often continue for the rest of their lives. Also, those drugs are only designed to provide a temporary fix. Your mood could drop again the moment you forget to pick up a prescription from your doctor. It’s much better if you can change your life in ways that make you happier. Good luck ladies! You have my full support.