When you’re depressed it seems like nothing can make you feel better. However, there are several mental tricks to combat depression that you may want to try, because they do offer amazing results. Although you can treat depression using medication, there’s also a kind of therapy, which is called cognitive behavioral therapy. It focuses on changing your behavior and it’s one of the most effective ways to cope with depression. Read on to learn some mental tricks to combat depression and live a happy life.
1. Let go of the past
Let bygones be bygones. You should realize and admit that you cannot change the past. It can only make you suffer from the things, which have no connection with the present. Let go of the past and don’t focus on your future. Try to focus on your present and use your mental and physical resources to reach your goals now. Don’t be so hard on yourself, because mistakes also give you experience and teach you to be mature and more confident.
2. Don’t exaggerate issues
Stop thinking of the worst things in your life. There is always a solution to any problem and if you don’t agree, then you are not satisfied by these solutions. Don’t sabotage yourself, because you will never have an opportunity to break the walls of depression. Life is too short to spend it miserably. Be more realistic and try not to watch TV that is full of negative info.
3. Stop overanalyzing things
If you are fond of mulling over your problems, you won’t be able to combat depression. Focusing on the issue can play a bad trick with you. It can maintain and develop depression, which can affect your mental health. You should get rid of this destructive habit. This step is very important if you want to recover from depression.
4. Focus on positive things
Start doing small things, which make you happy. Write down all positive moments you have faced during the day. You should think about positive at least half an hour every day. Moreover, you can do something good for others. It may be just the ticket to give your self-esteem and sense of self worth a boost. Don’t forget that good and positive activities can lighten your mood in no time.
5. Fake it
I know it sounds weird but it really works. Did you know that a fake smile can release feel-good chemicals in your brain? It can boost your mood and relieve depression. What are waiting for? Let’s make an experiment and smile to change your mood. According to cognitive behavioral therapy, there is a significant link between your emotional and physiological state. Why not change your behavior and feel positive emotions more often? It can be the key to your depression recovery.
6. Stick to the routine
It can be difficult to stick to a well-structured day routine, but active days will relief the symptoms of your depression. Get up early, eat 4-5 times a day and avoid napping. It will provide you a good night sleep. People who suffer from depression usually face unusual weight gain or loss, which is why it’s so important to stick to the routine. Plus, it can help you fight insomnia.
7. Get rid of negative thinking patterns
Depressed people often see things in black or white. You shouldn’t see things only in black or white colors, because it can make you feel worse. Negative thinking patterns can even prevent you from doing the things that make you feel happy. For instance, instead of saying “no one cares about me or no one loves me,” say “many people love me,” you’ll feel much better.
8. Avoid isolating yourself
When you are depressed, there’s no desire to see anyone. But your isolation won’t help you combat depression. Don’t afraid to share your problems and inner feelings with the family or friends. I’m sure they will do their best to help you fight depression. Moreover, you will have an opportunity to check the frankness of your friends. As the proverb says, “Friend in need is a friend indeed.”
9. You’re not a victim
Don’t blame yourself and others if something always goes wrong. You can choose how to react to all those difficult events in your life. You have all chances to make your dreams come true. Don’t waste your time thinking of unnecessary and destructive things, which can lower your self-esteem. Depression is a widespread problem of millions of people around the world. There are many theories about its occurrence. Many people prefer to use medication, because they believe that it is the reason of chemical misbalance in the brain. But I think it’s better to fight depression naturally. Have you ever faced a depression? How did you treat this problem? Share your tips with us, please.
