Living With Depression

It’s important to realize that much of our pain is a normal part of life, and that the way through pain is to feel it, rather than hide from it by ignoring it, numbing it through drugs or alcohol or denying its importance. In fact, the way... Full Answer

Finding the right therapist won’t be as easy as stopping at the supermarket to pick up a loaf of bread. You may need to talk to several therapists to find someone who is a good match for you in temperament, treatment method, cost, and... Full Answer

Often people with depression don’t eat very well. You might find yourself snacking mostly on junk food or foods high in carbohydrates or fat, and you might find that you don’t feel motivated to shop and cook healthy foods. Since foods... Full Answer

Although there is no single food or way of eating that will cure depression, eating the following foods can help: - Complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates, found in whole grain breads, cereals (oatmeal is an especially good choice), and... Full Answer

All types of exercise can be beneficial for depression. Research has demonstrated that benefits accrue from strength training, aerobic exercise and flexibility training, but any type of regular exercise can help. What’s important is for you... Full Answer

Although this thought record exercise may seem simplistic, it has been shown to be effective in elevating mood in people with depression.  There are six steps to keeping a thought record.Step 1. When you feel a particularly unpleasant or intense... Full Answer

Many people with depression don’t anticipate enjoying particular activities, such as going out to a movie with a friend or taking a hike. You may find yourself thinking, “I don’t feel like going out. If I go, I’ll just be... Full Answer

Guilt and shame can be healthy human emotions, reminding us that we have a responsibility to treat others with respect. These emotions can point us to areas in which we may need to improve and can mobilize us to accept responsibility for mistakes... Full Answer

Mindfulness is a cognitive method that has shown promise in improving depression. The technique, originally developed by Buddhist monks, has recently been found effective for many modern problems such as anxiety, chronic pain, and stress. Simply... Full Answer

Researchers have found that depressed people often see the world in a more realistic light than people who aren't depressed, because they are exquisitely tuned into the negative aspects of situations. This doesn’t mean that the world is... Full Answer