- Feeling sad
- Loss of interest
- Change in appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of energy
- Fatigue
- Worthless feeling
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death
To be diagnosed with depression these symptoms should last at least 2 weeks. If you do have depression it can be very hard to deal with, here are a few tips to help you cope with your depression.
- Talk to someone- talking to someone about what you’re going through can be a great way to deal with depression, whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a therapist.
- Write- try writing down your feelings, being more open about your thoughts can help you to cope with your depression.
- Boost your self-image- people with depression often have low self-esteem, so spending time trying to boost your self-image is critical. You can do this by practicing positive thinking, healthy eating, exercise, and spending time with friends.
- Stick to a schedule- maintaining a regular schedule is important for anyone with depression because it helps you to feel more productive and gives your life meaning.
- Stay involved- If you are depressed you may lose interest in doing things you used to enjoy like hanging out with friends. But it is critical that you continue to do those things and surround yourself by other people that make you feel good.
- Sleep well- people with depression often have trouble sleeping but getting a good night’s rest is very important. Setting a regular sleep schedule can help you to get a full night’s sleep.
- Avoid alcohol- people often use alcohol as an escape from their depression, but it often times just makes it worse.
Try using these simple steps to help you cope with your depression!
References:
- https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
- https://www.dbsalliance.org/education/depression/statistics/