If you suffer from depression, self help may be the last thing on your mind.
Depression is particularly cruel, in that it prevents you doing the very things that will help you to recover.
However, the good news is that even long term depression can be lifted, and there are plenty of things that you can do for yourself.
The following depression self help tips are all designed to get you back on track, at a pace that's right for you.
1.
Know What You're Dealing With The first step in the battle against depression is to know what you're dealing with.
Depression occurs when human beings are prevented from doing what they're designed to do, which is to be actively involved with their environment, solving problems and overcoming challenges.
This becomes a vicious circle, as depression makes you withdraw from the world, which in turn makes you feel more depressed.
Effective depression self help, therefore, is anything which gets you active and outwardly focused again.
2.
The Difference That Makes A Difference What's the smallest thing you could do to make a difference to how you feel, starting today? It's very important that you don't try to rush things, as this only puts pressure on yourself.
Think in small steps.
Things like calling a friend, going out for a coffee, or replying to an official letter may be little things in themselves, but they will all give you back a sense of social connection and control.
You'll soon find that this form of depression self help turns into a snowball effect, as the more you do, the more you'll feel like doing, and the better you'll feel.
3.
Attend To The Basics Good sleep, nutrition and exercise are vital to recovery from depression.
Eat plenty of fresh produce, proteins such as white meat or fish, and cut back on sugary snacks.
They give you a temporary high, but you feel much worse later on.
Light exercise is by far the most effective cure for mild to moderate depression, as it stimulates the production of natural pleasure and satisfaction hormones.
Sleep is possibly the most important depression self help tip of all, since an exhausted brain is far more vulnerable to the effects of depression.
The idea is to make sure there isn't too much on your mind when you go to bed, so try to resolve problems during the day.
A simple thing like writing your worries down can make a big difference, 4.
Be Kind To Yourself My final depression self help tip is above all, treat yourself gently.
Make time to relax, and do the things that you enjoy.
Make time for your hobbies and interests, even if you have to go slowly to begin with.
If they involve other people, so much the better.
These are the things that will lead you out of depression.
Self help is most effective when you're focused outwards and engaging with the world once again.
It is important that you make time for you and learn how to take control.
To find out how click here.