As many as 8% of Canadians experience major depression at some point in their adult lives.
Similarly, about 3.2 million Canadian teenagers and young adults are at risk of depression. These staggering numbers show how common this condition is. As such, knowing how to deal with it properly can be a great help.
Depression is a common condition that affects millions of Canadians. Left untreated, depression can be debilitating and can be a major obstacle in the lives of those who are afflicted with it. But it need not be.
That’s why it’s important to develop and employ helpful strategies to deal effectively with depression and live a better, more contented and more productive life.
7 Strategies to Live a Better Life by Mitigating Depression
Depression impacts nearly all aspects of a person’s life.
As such, coping strategies are necessary to mitigate the negative effects of depression.
Here are 7 methods that you can follow to help you deal with depression.
1.Physical wellness
There has already been plenty of evidence of the link between physical and mental wellness.
Staying in good physical shape can have plenty of benefits on your mental and emotional health.
Even the symptoms of depression can improve as a result. Be sure to exercise regularly, eat healthily, and avoid harmful substances.
2.Reach out
Reach out to family and friends — letting them know how you feel takes the burden off of your chest. If the circumstances allow, talk to them in person. If not, you have plenty of options. Everyone has access to the Internet nowadays, after all.
Modern technology has made reaching out to friends and family much easier.
3.Try to socialize
Many people that undergo depression rarely find themselves in the mood to socialize.
Avoiding social situations, however, will only lead to more harm than good.
Try to attend and socialize if the opportunity arises because doing so can greatly improve your mood.
4.Find things you enjoy doing
With depression, you may find that you don’t enjoy some things as much as you used to.
This, however, doesn’t mean that you won’t find new activities that you’ll like.
Try to look for something new to keep you occupied.
A hobby, a new pastime, or even just talking to people whose company you enjoy can significantly help.
Creating your own art is an excellent example of a healthy outlet.
5. Go out for a stroll
Something as simple as an outdoor stroll can have significant effects on the symptoms of depression.
Going for a walk gets you to exercise, gives you a change in scenery, and exposes you to sunlight. Don’t underestimate these as studies show that these things can improve your mood.
Even if it’s just for a quick stroll around the block on a cold winter’s day in Ottawa, walking can have positive impacts on your mental health (and might even get you some much needed sunlight in the process).
6.Build a healthy routine
Those with depression often have their daily routines heavily disrupted because of the condition.
Try to build a new and healthier routine out of your current one.
For example, eating or sleeping irregularly can be harmful, so try to fix those habits.
7.Don’t overthink
We humans do have a tendency to overthink from time to time.
Many of us excessively focus on our negative qualities when we overthink.
Try to avoid this as it can negatively impact your mental health and worsen your depression. Instead, focus on all the good that you do.
Depression isn’t something that you need to go through alone
You needn’t continue to suffer with depression.
Nor do you have to go through depression alone.
On the contrary, it is far more beneficial to surround yourself with people that can help you. A professional therapist is a great choice of someone that you should reach out to.
Of course, your mental health is at stake, so be sure to consult only with an experienced therapist. Those in Ottawa can reach out to us at Waystone Psychology.