Whether one has been formally diagnosed with mild depression or not, the signs and symptoms are easily identifiable by just about anyone. Various websites offer advice, support and information addressing symptoms and diagnoses of mild depression. Oftentimes, if one is depressed, finding the energy or encouragement to accomplish simple tasks becomes difficult, if not almost impossible. The symptoms vary from person to person, but if you feel "down" for more than two weeks, and these feelings are interfering with your daily life, you may be clinically depressed (Depression.com, pp. Understanding Depression; Depression Basics, 2010).
The aim of this article is to provide the reader with simple, encouraging, and results-oriented suggestions on how to lessen the behaviors and feelings associated with mild depression.
Change Behavior Associated With Depression
The main objective into improving depression is to change behavior associated with the mild depression symptoms. For example, a person could be depressed on a daily basis, exhibiting behaviors like sleeping most of the morning or all day, refusing to get dressed or just watching TV for long periods of time. It's believed that this behavior can actually perpetuate depression, making the person feel hopeless, tired, and discouraged.
The person “depresses” into behaviors that become a part of their lifestyle, increasing the feelings associated with depression (Glassar, W. pp. 98, 1998).
Ease Mild Depression by Getting Out of Bed
One of the simpler tasks that one can work on involves getting out of bed at the same time every day, no matter what the day of the week it is. This simple task helps the mind awake and rest at the same intervals throughout the day and increases the ability for the body to prepare itself for movement, interaction, and socializing.
Increase Energy by Exercising Every Day
Implementing just 30 minutes of exercise everyday helps the body produce the appropriate chemicals and reactions to increase and stimulate neurons in the brain. While being a very obvious tip, exercise can dramatically improve just about any area of one’s life.
Helping Seasonal Affective Depression by Going Outside
Spring and summertime are the perfect opportunities to relax outside, however, fall and winter have advantages as well. Being able to find a time of the day to step outside, smell the natural elements of the day and absorb natural sunlight proves to increase energy.
Increase Enjoyment by Reading
Nestling down and reading a great book can curb the blues for many people. Reading can help the mind focus on a specific story or topic and contribute to ones need for fun and enjoyment.
Consuming Junkfood Can Increase Mild Depression
Mild depression is a form of depression often associated with situational events and circumstances. In the low times when one is experiencing mild depression, oftentimes a person turns to eating comfort food for pleasure. Minimizing the consumption of high calorie food will result in increased levels of energy and endurance.
Rearrange Furniture for Fun
Experiencing depression is very common during times of distress. However, rearranging the furniture in a living environment can prove to be fun, stimulating, and motivational in helping the mind enjoy an environment in which it exists.
Write, Draw, or Sing to Lessen Mild Depression
Being creative is oftentimes difficult when the stresses of the world are being experienced. If one takes the time to write a small project, for example poems or quotes, draw pictures, or sing to the radio then the feelings associated with mild depression tend to dissolve.
Feel Better by Helping Someone Else
Doing something for someone else has its benefits. When one takes the time to do a small favor or task for someone else, the feelings associated with pleasure start to increase. Being creative and original are always healthy for the mind!
Make Lists to Help Lessen Mild Depression
Some people do not function well with lists; however, using lists to tackle mild depression can create positive outcomes. For example, making a daily list of small tasks to accomplish throughout the day can help in staying active, motivated, and organized.
Mild Depression is Affected by Poor Sleep
Going to sleep and waking up at the same times is very important, but sleep hygiene is also important. To help get a good night’s rest, eliminating the consumption of food after a certain hour of the evening, creating a comfortable sleeping arrangement, and getting enough hours of sleep are important factors to consider for good sleep hygiene.
Implementing the above 10 simple tips into everyday life can help lift the mind and body out of lows of mild depression. For treating more serious depression, one must be sure to consult with a physician or professional trained in mental health disorders.
Sources:
Depression.com (2010). Located under pages including Understanding Depression; Depression Basics. Retrieved July 13, 2010.
Glassar, W. (1998). Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom. Harper Collins Publishers: New York. pg. 98.
*The suggestions provided in this article are by no means meant to undermine the effectiveness of medication therapy and psychotherapy associated with treating any level of depression.
Jessica McCallister - My name is Jessica McCallister and I live in a little town in Eastern Oregon! I have come to this website to begin my publishing ...
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