There are many unhealthy ways which people may use to try and cope with their depression.
What are the healthier and more effective alternatives to these bad habits? You can read this article and learn more about healthy ways of dealing with the darkness of common this mood disorder.
Unhealthy coping strategies may include alcohol abuse, substance abuse and suicide.
These are destructive behaviors and should be avoided at all costs.
These unhealthy ways of dealing with depression only leads to more darkness and despair.
Even suicide may not bring the nothingness and release that many so desperately seek.
Does that seem like a strange statement to you? That depends upon your belief or disbelief in an afterlife.
Also, a working knowledge of documented near death experiences by people who committed suicide but survived may influence you view of this.
What healthy ways of coping with depression are there? Here are some of the common treatments that may be available to people.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy People suffering from depression usually have a very negative view of themselves as well as the world in general.
Most life experiences are colored black by this negative attitude and personal belief.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy tries to show a person how this unhealthy thinking pattern is affecting their mood and life.
The person may then be helped by breaking this negative thinking habit and learning a more balanced and rational thinking style.
This may help a person to deal with their depression.
Alternative Therapies This may include things such as meditation, relaxation and acupuncture.
These things are usually things you can do on your own time by yourself.
However, you may still need to stay in touch with your doctor or therapist and rely on their knowledge of treating depression.
Foods and Herbs Some of the more simple and healthy ways of dealing with depression may include good nutrition and a herb or two.
St John's Wort is a good example of a herb that has been used for a long time for treating mild depression.
Just remember to consult your doctor first, if you are currently on antidepressants, before using it.
Another supplement that may have a beneficial effect upon your mood is Omega-3 fatty acids.
You may need to combine the Omega-3 with some anti-oxidants.
Exercise Do not underestimate the power of intense exercise.
The problem for depressed people are generally the lack of willpower and chronic fatigue.
This may keep them from doing regular exercise.
Even a little exercise goes a long way.
Make sure that it is short but intense so that it gets your heart pounding and your lungs gasping.
You might consider doing sprints instead of just walking.
The key is not the duration of exercising, but the intensity followed by a brief period of rest to catch your breath.
Remember that different types of depression requires slightly different kinds of approaches to work.
You may have noticed that I left out antidepressants.
In my personal experience, antidepressants are overpriced and not very effective.
They also cause unpleasant side effects.
However, this is just my opinion.
It might be different for you.
There are other healthy ways of dealing with depression.