How to Ease Depression

This is the absolute truth! I have experienced this first hand!

First, I want to say that this will NOT stop the depression, nor will it cure it. These are just things that I do when I get depressed to ease the discomfort of depression.

Second, I want to say that these are NOT a replacement for medication. I do these in addition to my medication.

Third, I want to say that if you are not seeking the help of a professional psychiatrist (not a medical doctor), you are missing out on the proper treatment for your condition.

I am NOT A DOCTOR, COUNSELOR,  OR PSYCHIATRIST. I don’t think I can stress this enough. I am just a person who suffers with bouts of depression.

These are things that I do to help ease the suffering of depression. They are not in any particular order, just how I thought of them.

• Practice a belly laugh – This is a laugh that comes from the belly and out of the mouth. It’s much harder than you think! Go ahead! Try it right now. Do you feel silly? Yes? Did it make you want to laugh for real? Yes? That is what it’s supposed to do. Help you to laugh for real.
• I do exercise. My particular kind of exercise is yoga, but I’m told any exercise will do. I have heard of people doing Tai Chi, also. These are slow movements that are easy on the body. Don’t get the wrong idea! They WILL make you sweat!
• Put encouraging signs throughout the house. These are those cute sayings that float around the net. “You can do whatever you put your mind to!”, “A smile is never a waste of energy, you never know who will smile back!” or whatever helps you to think more positively. I go around the house and read these. I do this on purpose, there is no other use for me to go around the house at this time
• I put a positive affirmation as a desktop on my computer. Yes, I have argued with it, but it still stays the same.
• I put a beautiful scene as a desktop on my computer. This scene has to be one that makes me feel good. If it just makes you comfortable, find one that makes you smile inside!
• I call a friend and give a report of how I’m doing inside. This way I can see if I’ve made any progress through the depression. It doesn’t matter if they want to hear it or not, once you say something like, “The weather inside is cold with a bit of muted sun.” They will want to know what you’re talking about!
• I do my best to talk to two people every day about how their life is going. This gets my thoughts onto something besides my depression.

Next time you’re feeling down and out (before depression starts) try these and see what they do for you. I have found that forcing myself to do these things while going into depression and during depression eases my suffering and shortens the length of the depression.

As usual, I would love to hear what your thoughts are and how you feel about this post!