Depression is so widespread up and down the United Kingdom these days that it is often misunderstood as being normal – something to simply ignore. In reality, however, just because depression is an increasingly common condition doesn’t in any way mean it isn’t both serious and potentially life-affecting.
The simple fact of the matter is that regardless of how minor or severe any case of depression may be, there’s plenty of assistance and treatment available. From professional counselling in Canterbury to courses of medication in Manchester, depression treatment can work, does work and will work – it really is as simple as that.
But along with professional assistance and intervention, there are also plenty of things individuals living with depression can do to get by on a day to day basis. More often than not, depression is something that hits on a relatively random basis and is difficult to predict – others are however affected somewhat constantly.
In all instances, however, depression is something that those affected do at least have some control over. So whether in the midst of treatment, seeking counselling services or still unsure as to which avenues to explore, the following expert tips can help make everyday life that little bit more pleasant:
- First of all, it is important to continue with the activities, hobbies and general interests you have been involved in previously. There’s every chance you won’t get as much enjoyment out of them as you did before – you may get no joy out of them whatsoever – but it is important to continue doing them, in order to assist your long-term treatment and outlook.
- Keeping active on a daily basis is also of the utmost importance when battling depression. Not only has it been proven time and time again that boredom is perhaps the single worst catalyst for existing depression, but the effects of regular exercise has on the body and brain are similar to those of mild antidepressants.
- Knowing exactly what it is that exacerbates and triggers bouts of depression is of the utmost importance. Regardless of what it is, you need to know which triggers are most likely to affect you and do your best to avoid them. If they cannot be avoided, you need to speak to the professionals to determine how to address, manage and cope with them.
- Isolation and loneliness can be absolutely terrible when it comes to intensifying feelings of depression. Nevertheless, depression in its own right, often makes you feel that the very last thing you want to do is socialise with anyone. It’s a rather unfortunate cycle to say the least, but it is one of that should be broken and addressed proactively.
- Contrary to popular belief, routine can actually be a fantastic thing when living with depression. The reason being that if you don’t have a routine, you do not know where you need to be, what you need to be doing and who you need to be doing it with at any given time of day or night. As such, you have nothing specific to think about, other than an expanse of empty time and plenty of responsibilities you haven’t yet allocated time to. For the time being at least, a routine can be helpful.
- Even if you are finding yourself spending plenty of time doing very little, this doesn’t mean you aren’t still dangerously stressed, tense and anxious. There’s a very big difference between doing very little and actually relaxing – it’s the latter of the two that you should be focusing on. From yoga to meditation to personal pampering and anything else it takes, be sure to dedicate as much time to yourself as necessary to spend plenty of time relaxing – really
- Never, under any circumstances fall into the trap of self-medicating – be it with prescription drugs or any kinds of over the counter or herbal supplements you have heard that work wonders. The simple fact of the matter is that if they haven’t been prescribed to you by a professional, you shouldn’t be letting them anywhere near your body – the consequences could be catastrophic.
- Last but not least, try to remember that outside your closest circle of family and friends, there are always plenty of experienced professionals available to speak to. Sometimes, it takes nothing more than the impartial advice and listening ear of a non-judgmental stranger you’ve never met before to really get you to open up and make real progress.