Pray – Believe it or not, letting God HAVE IT about anything and everything is therapy in itself. The moment you become honest with yourself, let go of the pride, embarrassment and anger – I promise you’ll have an epiphany. I remember as a teen blaming God for my life. Only it took a little life and maturity to learn the difference between God’s will and practicing a little free will. Once I reconnected with God, spent more time with him each morning and decided to try it HIS way, I felt as if a weight was lifted off of my shoulders. My mood improved, I felt a joy I hadn’t felt in years and I was no longer fearful of letting people in, a major tell for people suffering from depression – isolation.
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Exercise – Get your jog on! In 2005, Harvard Medical School published a study that found walking fast for about 35 minutes a day five times a week or 60 minutes a day three times a week had a “significant influence on mild to moderate depression.” So today, I hit the gym at least 3 times a week. Oddly enough, I believe playing ball during my adolescent years was treating my disorder, without me even knowing it. So, when I stopped playing ball, and my body was producing less endorphins (these improve natural immunity, reduce perception of pain, improve mood), my body went into some kind of withdrawal. By reintroducing exercise into my life, I’m not only lifting my mood, but lowering my blood pressure, protecting myself against heart disease, cancer and boosting my self-esteem.
Create a support system – Out of all the “treatments,” surrounding myself with loved ones has proven to be the most effective. Last year, I moved cross country to surround myself with loved ones. Even as I was driving across the plains of Nevada, I felt my spirit smile. Depression is not a battle to be fought alone. Loved ones, whether they be family, friends or lovers, can offer a shoulder and word of encouragement. After all, loved ones make us happy (as they should) and happiness is contagious. It may be an easy cure for depression.
Medication – While I always suggest that medications be a last resort, due to the many zombie-like side effects, some people find solace in popping a pill each day. Several years ago, I experimented with a few antidepressants, but they left me feeling lifeless and at times even more somber. Should you chose to go this route, I caution you to research patient reviews and side effects. Speak up if the medication is creating unwarranted thoughts of suicide. This could mean an adjustment in dosage or a new prescription altogether.