Faith and Family — Dealing with depression: 10 tips for managing depression

Faith and Family — Dealing with depression: 10 tips for managing depression

Get out. Depression isolates, so it is helpful to get out of the house, even when you do not feel like it or have any desire to do so.

“Fake it until you make it.” Get up in the morning and get dressed as though you are going out, even if you do not make it out the door.
 
Get some sleep. Keep a healthy sleep schedule with a consistent bedtime and wake time. Depression can trigger insomnia or lethargy, but what your body needs is not always what it wants. Depression also can be a symptom of sleep apnea. See your doctor.
 
Eat. Consume regular, healthy meals whether you feel like it or not. 
 
See your physician. Depression can be a side effect of medication or a sign of a treatable condition.
 
Pursue God. Maintain the God-ordained methods of receiving grace, including church attendance, prayer and Bible study.
 
Seek the truth. Do not believe the lies in your head. If you cannot speak truth to yourself, find a friend who can and will. Until then, remind yourself that you cannot read people’s minds and that the worst-case scenario is the least probable outcome in a situation.
 
Get moving. Exercise is one of the fastest ways to interrupt the stress hormones that flow through our bodies.
 
Start a conversation. Research has shown that talk therapy and medication are both effective, but you may get the best results from using both. Talk with your doctor or therapist about what is right for you.
 
Know when to ask for help. This may not be something you can handle on your own. Seek wise counsel and talk to your family and friends about how you are feeling.