Depression can make you feel everything is challenging. Going to class, going to work, socializing with friends or even getting up and making your bed. Last month I watched a young mum on a television show sharing her story of postpartum depression. She said after giving birth to her first born daughter she would lock herself in her room the whole day. She would not even open the curtains of her room.
Being a first time mum was really challenging for her. She said her husband was the one who helped her out. Her husband would come, open the curtains and accompany her outside for walk. Her husband would help her out in the morning before going to work ,and in the evening he would come early and help her do other house chores. After one month she was fine and back to her normal life. Because of what she went through and she didn’t want any young parents to feel the same so she decided to share her story on social media.
Here are ways to reduce depression:
Build a support network
A diagnosis of depression is not the end of the world. If you are struggling with this diagnosis, please know you are not the only one. Find a support group or find a support.
Reduce stress
The more you reduce stress the more you reduce depression. When you’re under stress, your body produces more of a hormone called cortisol. In short-term, this is a good thing because it helps you get gear up to cope with whatever is causing the stress in your life.
Over long run, however it can cause many problems for you including depression
Beat Procrastination
One of the most important things you can do to yourself is to get organized and you can only do that by not procrastinating.
It’s important to set deadlines and manage your time well. Establish short-term goals and work hard to get the important things done first.
Improve your eating habits
Research continues to find clear links between diet and mental health. In fact, there has been so many studies that have shown improving nutrition can prevent and treat mental illness that nutritional psychiatry has become mainstream.
Eating food rich in Selenium, vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids and avoiding alcohol can reduce chances of having depression.
Make sure you get enough sleep
Ensure that you improve your quality and quantity of sleep. Sleep and mood are intimately related. Most people with major depressive disorder experience sleep disturbances.
