5 Ways To Fight Back Against Depression So You Can Feel Happy Again

Aug 21, 2018

When your illness is mental, fighting it can be very difficult. Though we now know that depression is caused by imbalanced chemicals in the brain, there still is not any sort of easy cure. Therapy and prescription medications provide some help, but every person is different and many depression medications have side effects that some people cannot tolerate. Fortunately, there are many other ways of dealing with depression. These tricks will help to produce brain chemicals linked to peace and happiness instead of stress and anxiety.

Whether you are going to a formal dance class or just jumping on your bed to your favorite song, dancing is a great way to elevate your mood. Dancing does far more than just get you moving around. It also has a very valuable creative and social component. Dancing provides a creative outlet for those who are dealing with many negative emotions. As many studies have found, spending time with friends helps to lower the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in a person's body. Friendly physical contact is particularly important for helping people to relax, so something like ballroom dancing can be particularly good for fighting off depression.

Exercise is one of the best ways for managing depression. Past research has found that people diagnosed with depression who exercise regularly have less days of bad mental health than those who do not exercise. Exercise helps because it gets your blood flowing and stimulates circulation to the brain. Working out also helps to release endorphins. These anti-stress hormones help you to feel happy and stay in a good mood longer. If you do aerobic exercise, like running or biking, you enter elevated states of neurogenesis. This allows you to grow new brain cells, so you can better manage daily stressors.

The human brain thrives on novelty. Going to a new location forces your brain to process new information and find different ways of solving problems. It lets you break out of your rut, so you can enjoy new things instead of being stuck in a familiar and depressing environment. Remember this does not always mean you have to quit your job and move to India. Just going to the next town over and getting some time away from all your worries can help to take a weight off your mind.

There is some truth to the idea that a healthy body results in a healthy mind. Your brain's wellbeing is closely linked to a variety of bodily functions, including gut bacteria, thyroid health, and other things. Therefore, you may find that a few changes to your lifestyle help to lift your mind. When you are taking care of yourself, you may find that you feel happier and more peaceful. Some people find it beneficial to experiment with Eastern methods of destressing.

Things like meditation and deep breathing are very useful if you have the type of depression that results in repetitive thoughts and anxiety. There are also some benefits to changing your diet. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests you talk to your doctor about vitamin B supplements. It can also be helpful to take vitamin D supplements or spend some time in the sunshine. Try to cut back on sugar and caffeine, and eat more whole foods.

Depression often makes people lose interest in former hobbies and relationships, so many people end up feeling constantly bored, tired, and uninterested. Each person is different, but many people find that they can reduce their depression symptoms by searching for ways to gain enthusiasm. Consider experimenting with a new hobby, taking the time to talk to old friends, or getting involved in a new television or book series. Some people even find silly things like making faces in the mirror can be enough to crack them up. In general, actively pursuing enthusiasm and joy can lift your mood.

Of course these treatments are not always enough to cure depression on their own, so you should always take the time to visit the doctor and follow any prescribed medication regimen. However, they are a great way to manage your depression alongside traditional treatment options. They help to elevate your mood and reduce a lot of stress.

Can you think of any other ways to help treat depression? Let us know your experiences in the comments, and show this article to your friends and family. You never know who it might help. 

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!