9 Things You Should Not do during a Depressive Episode ...

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Stop telling people and yourself, “I am depressed.” When you state it this way, it is just tantamount to letting depression define you. When you let depression become your identity, it becomes so much harder to break away from it. You have to remember that depression is just an illness that you are experiencing. Depression is not who you are. The sooner you get that into your head, the sooner you can get better.

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You might find it hard to be positive when you feel your world crumbling around you. But understand that this is the sort of negative thinking that can get you into deeper trouble. Challenge your negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.

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When you feel depressed, you are thinking illogically. So hold off on making crucial life decisions such as those pertaining to your job and relationship. Your depression can cloud your right frame of mind and can lead you to make damaging decisions.

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Alcohol is a downer so it can worsen the feelings of depression. It is easy to get hooked on drugs because of the temporary high they give you. When you are in the state of depression, you are in altered state of mind. You do not need additional mind-altering substances such as drugs and alcohol.

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Do not eat food with refined carbohydrates and high sugar content. Do not, by any means, skip meals especially breakfast. Eat more of complex carbohydrates and foods rich in B-vitamins. There is such a thing as a diet that makes you feel good.

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Being isolated is the worst thing you can do when you are feeling depressed. Stay in the company of the people who love and support you. They can help pick you up when you are feeling down. They can make you smile even when you don’t feel like doing so. Continue to attend social activities even if you are not feeling sociable. You can also try joining a support group so you can be with people who understand you.

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Exercise releases happy hormones that help improve mood. Sunlight has a way of making you feel better. When you feel depressed, don’t stay inactive and indoors until you think you are feeling better. Find your inner strength and get out of the house. Take a scenic walk by yourself or with a friend. Sit under the sun and feel it warm your soul.

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When I felt really depressed, I stopped reading, writing, or doing anything I enjoyed. That just made me feel worse. Even if you don’t feel like doing anything, don’t avoid the things you enjoy. They can be your tools in coping with your depression. Read a book, write, listen to music, enjoy nature, talk to a friend, do simple tasks, draw, or paint. Activities that give your mood a quick boost should not be forgotten.

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There are times when you cannot cope with your depressed feelings by yourself. Do not deny yourself the opportunity to talk to a professional if the need arises. Do not settle for the first therapist you come across. Find a person you feel comfortable with.

The road to healing begins when you take action against the things that can hamper your recovery. Give yourself a chance to feel happy and alive again. Take things slowly, one day at time, and always stay focused on the goal. Even if you feel like the fight is difficult and the challenges insurmountable, it is not impossible to overcome depression.

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