Top 5 Things to Do

Though dealing with depression may make you feel powerless, you can empower yourself to improve your mood and expedite your recovery. Here are the five most important things you can do to cope with depression:

1. Go to your doctor.

The most important thing to do is to get help, and help often starts at your physician’s office. There are tests that your doctor can perform to determine if you have depression. Once you receive a diagnosis, there are many different treatment options available to you, including psychotherapy, medication and alternative treatments. You can’t get on the road to recovery until you determine your starting point.

2. Get support.

It’s crucial to have the support of your family and friends while dealing with depression. These people should be invested fully in your mental health and well-being and be there for you to lean on. Talk to your family about your diagnosis and ask them to get involved. The more your family knows about your condition, the better they can assist in your recovery. If you need more help, find a local support group or join an online community to discuss your experience and learn from others who have recovered.

3. Think positive thoughts.

Regardless of your treatment method, one of the best techniques to ease your symptoms is to think positive thoughts. Whenever a negative thought pops into your brain, do your best to drive it out with positive thoughts and a strong dose of self-esteem.

4. Take care of your body.

Simple things—like eating a well-balanced diet, getting adequate physical activity and taking a vitamin supplement—can be key to beating depression. Focus on living as healthily as you can, and you’ll notice a natural mood boost from your body’s improved flow of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that your brain needs to function.

5. Don’t give up.

Often, people stop their treatment after the first week or two because they don’t feel as good as they had hoped. Treatment for depression can take weeks, if not months, so it’s important that you continue with your treatment plan as prescribed. Give yourself some time to find the right treatment and you’re guaranteed to beat depression.