10 No-Cost Ways That Fight Depression | Emotional & Stress Management slideshows | Emotional & Mental Health center

Human Touch Can Melt Away Depression Fasted Than Any Antidepressant

Do you remember the times when you were not well and the warm nurturing touch of your mother would instantly rejuvenate you? All humans long for a warm touch, irrespective of whether they are children or adults. And especially if you are depressed, touch therapy can work wonders for you. Go for a massage session and see how your stress melts away. It is not just hearsay. Scientific studies have also proven the benefits of massage and aromatherapy. It has been shown that jasmine and ylang ylang oil act as stress busters and mood elevators. Rose is also known to act as an antidepressant. So go to a massage therapist and allow the calm and caring hands to soothe away your depression.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of deovolenti by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/klif/2115261222/
www.thedailymind.com/stress/5-small-but-big-ways-to-beat-depression-every-time/
http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/wellbeing/170615/Ten-ways-to-fight-depression#2XxMi3uRWo14HC1x.99

Meet A Friend Over A Cup Of Coffee

Remember the good times you had in the company of your best friend. Invite him over a cup of coffee and share your feelings with him. Best friends are those who would listen to you without being judgmental or critical. They are the ones whom you trust completely. They can keep your secrets and would never try to belittle you. So, if you have a friend like this, count yourself lucky. Vent out all your frustrations, be absolutely honest and bare your feelings. You can be certain that a good friend will listen to all your problems without interrupting and help you in your battle against depression.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of Joe Chadburn by Picasa : picasaweb.google.com/lh/view?q=two+friends+coffee&uname=109008901828086469253&psc=G&filter=1#5770319281780301474
www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_tips.htm

Indulge In Fun Things With Your Friends

Go out with your friends and indulge in fun things. Watch a funny movie or read an interesting book. Pick up a sport that you used to like or indulge in a hobby. Go for a picnic or a trip to the mountains. Try to express yourself through music, dance, drawing or painting. You may not be a talented artist but that is not the point. The aim behind taking part in these activities is to feel light. Indulging in fun activities is the best way to unwind you. All those emotions that were bottled up inside you get a vent through creativity. It is difficult to motivate yourself to indulge in fun things when you are depressed but it is absolutely worth it. These activities serve as wonderful mood elevators. Go slow initially but try to do at least one fun thing a day. You’ll feel much better.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of Ina ♥ New York ♥ New York ♥ by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/30360780@N02/3708931931/
www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/11-ways-to-beat-depression-naturally

Seek The Support Of Your Family And Well Wishers

Remember that loneliness and seclusion are the worst enemies of depression. The more you cut yourself from people, the more depressed you will feel. It is not easy to reach out to people after you have remained cocooned in your shell for a long time. But your family and well wishers care about you and would love to help you if you would let them do it. So, break open the shell and reach out to people you trust. Pour out your heart to them and you will be surprised how light you feel. Even if they do not understand the exact cause of your emotional upheaval, they can serve as a sounding board and help you climb out of the depression.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of Tony Alter by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/78428166@N00/9646676402/
www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_tips.htm

Fall In Love

Falling in love is such a beautiful feeling. When your heart is full of love, there is little place for any other feeling. It is the surest way of beating all blues. But how do you fall in love when you are depressed? You can begin by falling in love with yourself. Look into your eyes in the mirror, as you would look into the eyes of a lover. Tell your image that it is the best thing in this world. Accept yourself with all your imperfections as you would accept someone you love. Treat yourself to flowers, baths, chocolates, massages and gifts. Pamper and indulge yourself thoroughly. You’ll be amazed to see how quickly your depression vanishes into thin air.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of linh tinh by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/linhtinh/2458063578/
www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/11-ways-to-beat-depression-naturally

Volunteer To Help Others In Order To Beat Your Own Depression

It is amazing how helping others can be so therapeutic. Researchers term this as “helper’s high.” When you are busy solving other’s problems, your mind shifts away from your own problems. Moreover, when you help someone less fortunate, your brain secretes chemicals known as endorphins. These are happy hormones which leave you with a sense of well being. When you channel your energies into solving somebody else’s problems, you may realize that your own problems are nothing in comparison. However, volunteer for a small time every day initially. This is because you may be low on energy levels. If you sign up for long hours and are not able to cope up with it, you may be left feeling further depressed. And remember that instead of giving money, be actively involved in the program. It is only when you are actively participating in helping others that you feel better.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of vastateparksstaff by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/vastateparksstaff/5616353751/
www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_tips.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_2118185_deal-depression-naturally.html#ixzz2WPUEWYFq

Join Clubs In Order To Meet New Friends

As I have mentioned earlier, you are not the only person suffering from depression. There are many other who are either passing through a similar phase or have passed the phase successfully. It is always good sharing your experience with such people. They can not only relate to what you are going through, but can give valuable inputs on how to best cope up with the situation. It helps in overcoming the feeling of isolation. You may also be instrumental in helping out others passing from this phase by sharing your experiences. This not only helps in relieving your own depression but helps you emotionally too. Apart from joining clubs where you meet people who suffer from similar maladies, being a member of other clubs like reading clubs or dining clubs, helps you make new friends and encourages you to overcome the emotional rut you are in.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of Paul Lowry by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/paul_lowry/3671097741/
www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_tips.htm

Never Shy Away From Taking The Help Of A Counselor

Depression is just a state of mind and is easily treatable. Remember that you are not the only person suffering from depression. Statistics reveal that one in every ten Americans suffers from some kind of depression. So do not be ashamed. Seek the help of a counselor. There are many things which may escape your attention because of the dark clouds hovering in your mind. But they may easily be noticed by the trained eye of a counselor. He may unravel things which you had not been able to see clearly. He may also find out whether you need professional help and guide you in the proper direction.

Sources & Links

Cultivate Healthy Eating And Drinking Habits

Eating a healthy food is important to pep your mood. A balanced diet consisting of fruits, green vegetables, whole grains and proteins is necessary to lift you up from the depression cycle. It is believed that taking adequate amounts of complex carbohydrate and vitamin D boost the levels of serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter associated with uplifting of mood. Omega 3 fatty acids, found in abundance in fish, can also help in fighting depression. Folic acid, present in vegetables and whole grains, improves the efficacy of antidepressants. It is a bad idea to drink yourself silly or to consume drugs in order to uplift your mood. These measures may provide temporary relief but may leave you further depressed in the long run.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of USDAgov by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/usdagov/7943574092/
www.thedailymind.com/stress/5-small-but-big-ways-to-beat-depression-every-time/
http://www.thirdage.com/depression/14-strategies-for-coping-with-depression

Exercise Or Spend Time Out In The Sun

Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins which help in dissolving your tensions and making you happy. In a recent study, it was seen that working out regularly on a treadmill or a stationary bike for half an hour daily for twelve weeks helped in reducing the symptoms by as much as 50% in patients suffering from depression. Similarly, studies also show that vitamin D is important for relieving depression. And what better way to get vitamin D than a walk in the sun. What if you combine the benefits of exercise and vitamin D by spending time outside? Take your dog for a walk or simply go jogging. Spend at least 15 minutes out in the sun and see your depression fade away.