Depression is one of the most common and prevalent afflictions people deal with. Acute or chronic depression can take down your whole life if you aren’t able to gain control of the paralyzing side effects of such a powerful pain.
When you’re depressed, all the decisions in your life can be affected by your inability to process your internal struggles. Your friends and family may even begin to suffer from your lack of desire to participate in daily life.
If you’re interested in learning a few positive coping mechanisms to help you deal with your depression then you’ve come to the right place. Here is a quick summary of a few of those methods.
Learn to recognize and avoid destructive thinking patterns
Once you learn to identify certain thinking patterns that are particularly negative, then you will be better equipped to avoid them. All or nothing disposition, overgeneralizing things, labeling yourself with negative names or features, and fortune telling by thinking you know exactly where things will lead or what the future holds are just a few of several different negative thinking patterns that those suffering from depression should make an effort to avoid.
Keep yourself moving
Whether you like it or not, exercise will always bring positive change in your body. Your mind and body both need to be exercised just as an old car needs to be driven to maintain its functionality. It’s good for you! You don’t have to go wild with it, but a nice evening walk on a daily basis will do wonders for your sense of accomplishment and physical well-being overall.
Laughter is the best medicine for sadness
This isn’t just a cheap slogan. Laughter really is a very effective method of warding off sadness in a positive and non-destructive manner. Science has shown that the act of smiling and laughing releases chemicals in the brain responsible for increased happiness.
If you find yourself in a really down moment, and there’s not really any other sort of outlet, just pop in your favorite comedy. You will probably find yourself giggling by the time you’re halfway through the movie, and no damage has been done.
Learn to utilize diversions
Diversions may only seem like a temporary band aid, but they do in fact help. When you’re dealing with depression, you live by the moment. Every moment can sometimes be a struggle. Learn to divert those negative thinking patterns. You could take a shower. Write in a journal. Play a game, read, or pop in your favorite movie. Consider employing anything (any positive thing) to distract your negative thinking pattern, and send it down a different path.