Many people all over the world struggle with depression. It’s important to know that there are ways for you to enhance your physical and mental well-being if you’re suffering from depression. Various treatments available for depression include the use of antidepressant medications and counseling.
Ways of Overcoming Depression
Depression is a medical condition that can disrupt all aspects of your life, so it’s important to seek professional help. Concierge MD, FieldTrip Health, and Point Loma Clinic offer Ketamine therapy in San Diego. This is a therapeutic alternative to prescription medications. It has neurological effects on the brain that helps reduce symptoms of depression and can enhance the benefits of counseling.
Set Realistic Goals For Yourself
When you’re depressed, you may find it difficult to set any goals. If your goals are unrealistic, they may just contribute to your depression because you are unlikely to achieve them. Setting small, realistic goals every day, such as making your bed or watering your plants, can help you start on the road to recovery.
Stay In The Present
Getting 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can lower the risk of developing anxiety and depression. The release of endorphins while exercising will help to lift your mood. It can also make establishing new, healthy thinking patterns easier and help you to manage stress. Meditating, yoga, deep breathing, and other practices like this can help with depression because they help you stay in the present.
Ensure You Get Adequate Sleep
Sleep deprivation is associated with a host of health problems. Most adults need seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night. The brain works hard throughout the day, and many restorative functions take place during the night.
When sleep is light, interrupted, or not long enough, these restorative processes are interrupted, which in turn contribute to symptoms of fatigue and depression. Getting sufficient quality sleep is a key factor in helping to manage depression.
Find Meaningful Ways Of Being Of Service To Others
Studies have shown that being of service to others can help to lower levels of depression. If you love helping the homeless or animals, volunteer with a cause you are passionate about. Find a reputable organization you can work with, and you will make friends while making a difference in the lives of others.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of time to offer. You can start small and find ways to align with your family and career obligations. Even having tea with an elderly neighbor who doesn’t get out much can make a difference.
Physical Effects Of Depression
Depression doesn’t just affect the mind but also impacts the physical body.
Unintended Weight Loss or Gain
Depression affects people in different ways. Some people have little appetite and lose weight. Alternatively, others may find food offers comfort, and you tend to eat more and gain weight.
Low Energy Or Increased Fatigue
Low energy or fatigue can be one of the first symptoms of depression as well as one of the most noticeable. Feeling excessively tired is a sign that you may be suffering from depression.
Chronic Pain
If you suffer from depression, you may experience aches and pains that you can’t explain, such as:
- Headaches
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Stomach problems, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Those who already have chronic health problems may find their symptoms get worse if they develop depression.
Heart Disease
Depression puts stress on the body and can cause serious damage to the heart if left untreated. Physical effects of stress can include:
- High blood pressure
- Arterial damage
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Weakened immune system
- Increased risk of heart attack or blood clots
Depression reduces your energy to the extent that it’s hard to focus on eating a healthy diet or getting exercise. This can contribute to excessive weight gain, higher blood pressure, and increased cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease.
Inflammation
Research shows a link between depression and inflammation, as stress causes inflammation of the immune system. People with chronic untreated depression may be at an increased risk of developing inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or autoimmune disorders.
Conclusion
There are many lifestyle choices you can make that may be difficult but can help you recover from depression. You can focus on getting enough quality sleep, exercising, meditating, volunteering and more. It’s also important to visit a doctor if depression starts to impact your daily life. They can provide the guidance you need to get back to feeling like yourself again.