“Normal” People Can Be Depressed, Too: Learning to Cope with Depression
Depression is a serious chemical imbalance, and affects a lot more women than you might expect. As a woman who has suffered from depression for 8 years, I know how difficult it can be — and how alone you might feel.
To many, depression only strikes people who are “psycho” or “crazy”, — heaven forbid otherwise normal, healthy women suffer from something as taboo as depression. I am here to tell you that even “normal” people can be depressed — but there are ways to cope.
Personally, I am against medicine — for myself. I realize that medication may be an effective resource to help other women cope with depression, but for the purpose of this article and my beliefs, I will focus on non-medicinal alternatives to deal with depression.
Stick to a Schedule
Depression can be triggered by a number of causes, including lack of sleep. If you are feeling run down, depressed, and unlike your usual self, try to see if your sleeping habits could be improved. Going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at roughly the same time every morning allows your body to get used to a healthy routine. Sleep deprivation can lead to depressed feelings, lack of interest in activities and friends, and other unhealthy symptoms.
Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
If you find yourself depressed often, don’t reach for a caffeinated beverage or a beer. Caffeine can give your body a temporary boost, but when the “high” wears off your serotonin levels will drop dramatically. Alcohol, a depressant, should be eliminated or strictly regulated, especially if you are drinking while suffering from depression-related symptoms.
Get Adequate Nutrition
Eating a well-balanced diet will help fuel your body, and getting all the nutrients you need each day will not only make you physically healthier, it can also help with your mental health as well. If you are lacking in the nutrition department, try taking a daily multivitamin to help fill in the gaps. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet can help combat depression symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help many who suffer from depression. Essentially, CBT is a practice to help sufferers learn positive ways of thinking about themselves and the world around them. You can engage in CBT through a therapist or by reading self-help books on your own. This method of therapy has proven quite successful for me, and can help train your mind to avoid negative thoughts, thereby eliminating or severely reducing your depression symptoms.
Connect with your Spiritual Side
Connecting with your spiritual side does not mean converting to a particular religion. In reality, connecting with your spiritual side simply means allowing your mind to cleanse itself of negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions. This can be attained through any form of prayer you might desire, or through yoga, meditation, or other exercise.
Learning to cope with depression can, and often is, a lifelong battle, but it doesn’t have to be a losing battle. Depression can be dealt with in numerous ways, but the previous therapies are methods I have used in the past and that are proven to help sufferers dealing with depression symptoms.
If you would like to try to cope with your depression without using medication, these methods may work for you.
How have you managed your depression in the past? Do you use medication, or do you prefer alternative therapies?
