4 Ways To Better Cope With Your Depression

We all experience some form of depression every once in a while. An influx of depression can be based on a number of hereditary, environmental or mental factors.

Whatever the case, it's best to address it as it comes in order to work through it as quickly as possible. Here is a short list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their depression:

Switch your perspective.

One of the ways to manage depression is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make you fearful or depressed, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense.

Say you're afraid that if you do not get that job promotion, you will be stuck at your job forever and that depresses you. If you think about it, your thinking in this situation is unrealistic.

The fact of the matter is, there all are kinds of jobs available. Just because you don’t get this one job promotion doesn’t mean you will never get one. In addition, people change jobs all the time. You always have the option of going elsewhere if you are unhappy at your present employer.

Distract yourself.

Some people get depressed and have a difficult time doing simple things, like getting out of bed in the mornings. When this happens, you should take a deep breath and try to find something to do to get your mind off of the problem.

Take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper or do an activity that will give you a fresh perspective on things. Staying engaged will get your mind off of the problem and give you confidence to do other things.

Plan ahead.

Sometimes we can get depressed over a task we will have to perform in the near future. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the task in your mind beforehand.

For instance, you and your team have to play in the championship volleyball game in front of a large group of people in the next few days. Before the big day comes, imagine yourself playing the game in your mind. Imagine that you're playing in front of a large audience.

By playing the game in your mind, you will be better prepared to perform when the time comes. Self-visualization is a great way to reduce the fear and stress of a coming situation.

Another technique that is very helpful is to keep a small notebook of positive statements that make you feel good or that include good memories to remind you of good times.

Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in the notebook. Whenever you feel depressed, read them.

Reach out.

Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your fears and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insight on how to deal with your current problems.

By talking to a professional, a person will be helping him or herself in the long run by learning how to deal with problems on his or her own in the future. Managing your fears and anxieties takes practice. The more you practice, the better you will become.    

Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods.” Stan’s managing fear book has become very popular with over 300 positive book reviews and counting. Please read the many book reviews of Stan’s popular book by going to Stan’s website here.

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