subject: Depression - A Simple Six Step Plan For Minimizing The Impact Of Depression [print this page] Depression - A Simple Six Step Plan For Minimizing The Impact Of Depression
Most people have a will incase the unforeseen occurs and/or try to set aside a little extra cash for when that unexpected expense hits you right where it hurts; in the wallet. But how many people do you know that actually prepare in advance for a sure to occur encounter with depression? If I had to guess it wouldn't be very many!
According to the American Medical Association depression is an abnormal and persistent mood state characterized by sadness, melancholy, slowed mental processes, and changes in such physical patterns such as eating or sleeping.
You are probably thinking right about now boy am I glad I don't have to read that AMA medical information all day; it is so terribly BORING! And if you do go ahead and skip down to six steps for overcoming depression because you probably need them sooner rather than later.
The thing about depression is that no matter how emotionally strong the person, the truth is they can be taken down by depression. This fact is supported by a great deal of statistical information including those numbers which show cases of depression continuing to increase despite new drugs and a better understanding of the conditions itself.
When one thinks about all the life events that can trigger depression it is no wonder there really aren't that many good answers. Unforeseen events such as a death in the family, financial hardships, serious medical conditions, or love gone wrong all can bring this sinister visitor into our lives. The trick is having an action plan to make depression disappear sooner rather than later. After all, when that long lost relative knocks on your door you may have no choice but to invite them in for a cup of tea or coffee, but you certainly aren't going to ask them to stay indefinitely.
So it appears the key to overcoming depression may just be in having a plan to cope and recover mapped out before depression strikes. If it is not prepared in advance chances are you will not be able to see thorough the haze of depression well enough to write down enough helpful suggestions to be of any use.
If you have a few minutes I would like to share with you six helpful tools which I have used for years to keep the grim reaper of depression at bay when he comes knocking on my door.
*Make a list of the good: Making a list of the things that are good in your life is a good place to start. This list will need to be updated once in a while since things do change. I have found it helpful to be reminded of everything that I have to thankful for when things start to go wrong. Recently I had a friend who was very depressed until she remembered that 20 years ago she had survived a major surgical procedure. When she recognized that every day on this earth was a bonus her depression vanished.
*List friends and family to call: Having a premade call list of trusted friends and family is another idea worth considering. In order to overcome depression you will need to talk to someone and there is no better place to start than with trusted friends and family.
*A reminder not to withdraw from life: Remind yourself that If you can take a deep breath, muster up a little bit of energy, and continue with social activities it will greatly increase your chances of overcoming depression.
*A reminder to get outside: Darkness is depressions best buddy and unless you plan on being miserable for a while these two have to be split up. Without sunlight your body simply will not produce enough of its natural endorphins to support emotional wellness. Something as simple as taking a walk outside, or drinking a cup of coffee or tea at your favorite coffee shop are a couple of simple ideas that can really make a big difference.
*A reminder not to be so hard on yourself: Remind yourself that it may not be your fault. Also, don't let your natural tendency toward perfectionism turn mild depression into major, or chronic, depression.
*Natural remedies for depression: Keeping one of the many safe and effective natural remedies for depression on hand might be something worth considering, especially if you are prone to regular bouts of depression.
