Depression can be a difficult condition to manage, but there are ways to improve your mental health and wellbeing. It's important to recognize that good mental health doesn't mean you're always happy, and having good well-being doesn't mean you don't have a mental health problem. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing, and it affects how we think, feel, and act as we face life. If you're feeling intense and sustained feelings of sadness or loss of interest in activities, you may have clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder.
To help manage depression, there are several things you can do. Keeping a diary can be a beneficial complementary method for managing mental health conditions. Exercise can also be as effective as medications in relieving symptoms of depression. Research has identified seven healthy lifestyle habits that could help reduce the risk of depression by up to 57%. These include getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding drugs and alcohol, spending time with friends and family, engaging in activities you enjoy, and taking time to give thanks for the things you do.
Additionally, it's important to access the right information if you have a mental health problem or are supporting someone with one. Doing new things can be rewarding and can improve your overall wellbeing and strengthen your social relationships. You may also benefit from talking to a therapist or doctor about taking antidepressants. Finally, don't forget that asking for help and providing help can further improve your mental health.
