| 1. Exercise - Doesn't have to be much, just enough to raise your heartbeat for 20 minutes every day. You don't even have to go outside to do it. 2. Vitamin D - if you dislike being outside, or have anxiety and can't go outside, then take Vitamin D supplements. If you live somewhere where the Weather is never great, take the supplements anyway. 3. Mindful Thinking - A lot of people say 'Meditation' but for many people starting out, that's a big ask. So start with something easier. Being Mindful is focusing on where you are for 5-10 minutes. Close your eyes and listen to all your senses. The sounds around you, the smells, the warmth of the sun etc. After a few goes you'll be able to feel the benefits of this simple exercise. 4. Invest in friendships. Making new friends is hard when you feel like you have nothing to offer, so work on the friendships you already have. Spend more time with your friends. Explain to them (be frank!) about how you are feeling, and ask them to help a bit. Say if you are feeling low you might reach out to them for a chat. They know what you are struggling with, but are unsure how to actively help - by giving them pointers, they'll be all too pleased to support you. 5. Look at the things in your life that make you sad or angry, and remove them if possible. These toxic things can be anything; a Job, a Person you know, Where you live, What you Eat - anything. If it's your Job, change Jobs - _no_ job is important enough to wreck your health over. Don't be afraid to reboot everything and anything until you start feeling better. 6. Therapy. You can't do this alone. Not having a professional on tap is one of the most common mistakes most people do. A good therapist will guide you through the above steps and also teach you how to deal with how you are feeling, and how it affects your everyday life. 7. Drugs. Don't accept or live with the first SSRIs/SNRIs you try if they don't seem to work. It can take several goes with different types before you find one that works. There's no such thing as 'the drugs don't work'. I could go on, but I'm also on this Journey so I don't have all the answers yet. Source: Me. Depression for most of my life (I'm mid-40s), also suffering from Generalised Anxiety Disorder. All stemming from an abusive childhood and exacerbated by a nasty divorce which left deep emotional scars. |