Depression is a debilitating mental condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can make you feel trapped in a perpetual loop of darkness and sadness with absolutely no hope of escape. But that’s just your mind making you believe there is no way out.
There are effective ways that you can battle depression. You just need the right strategies and ways to ease your burden. No matter what type of depression you have, there is hope and a way that you can live a peaceful life. In this post, we’ve provided effective ways to battle depression so you can experience joy again.
Understanding the Different Types of Depression
Many people believe that depression is the same for everyone. However, there are several types of this mental illness, and understanding them all will help you in your battle against them. Here is a list of the various types of depression:
- Clinical depression: Persistent depressed mood and a loss of interest in daily activities for a long period. People who experience it may struggle with concentration, changes in diet, and poor sleep, and they can be suicidal.
- Postpartum depression: This type of depression happens to mothers after they have a baby. They are at greater risk of developing major depression later in life. Symptoms include lack of sleep, difficulty bonding with the baby, crying, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
- Seasonal depression: People experience this type of depression at the same time every year. It can cause fatigue, social withdrawal, and hopelessness.
- Persistent depressive disorder: This is a mild but long-form type of depression. Symptoms include feelings of anger or irritability, excessive hunger, feelings of guilt, and insomnia.
- Bipolar types 1 and 2: These two types of depression are more serious. People with type 1 bipolar experience extreme mood swings. They will have depressive low or manic high moods. Type 2 bipolar is associated with depressive and hypomanic episodes.
Depression can also happen to you if you’ve lost a loved one or if you’re going through financial stress and problems at work.
How to Deal with Depression Effectively
Talk to a Professional
One of the first things to do when you notice symptoms of depression is to talk to a professional therapist. If you can’t leave the house because your moods are too low, you can contact an online therapist to assist you. Research the top 10 online therapy companies to find one that you trust.
Once you’ve found someone you can talk to, you can have a video chat with them. They can assess your situation and provide you with the necessary steps that will help you combat your depression.
Change Your Diet
Studies have shown that a lack of magnesium in our diets is causing a surge in depression rates. Additionally, people who have a leaky gut also experience depression because most of your serotonin (a chemical in the body responsible for happiness) is produced in the gut.
Try to eat foods that are high in magnesium, like seeds, green vegetables, and whole grains. You should get between 400 mg to 420 mg of magnesium a day. If you have a leaky gut, eat more fruits, eggs, and fatty fish. Avoid junk food at all costs.
Consider Doing Fun Exercises
You may be thinking that exercise is the one activity that you’re just not motivated to do. But any fun activity can be turned into an exercise like dancing. Rebounding is also a fun exercise, and you don’t have to do any strenuous cardio.
When you exercise, you open your lymphatic system and produce important chemicals in the body, like dopamine that help combat depression.
Take Part in Activities That Make You Feel Relaxed
Although exercise is important, it’s also crucial that you take part in activities that make you feel relaxed. This may be taking a hot bubble bath or snuggling up on the couch to watch your favorite shows.
Consider sitting outside in the sun for at least 5 minutes a day. Vitamin D can assist with mild depression and make you feel more relaxed.
Final Thoughts
How you deal with your depression will depend on what type you have. For example, if you have bipolar, the best course of action is to see a professional to assist you. If you have mild depression, changing your diet and exercising more can help.
The important thing is that you don’t give up on yourself. Take all the necessary steps to fight against your depression. Speak to loved ones about how you’re feeling and find ways to help ease your sadness whenever you can.
