- Listed below are a few depression do's and don't:-
- Don't lock everything up inside and rely on your own strength. Talk to someone who is close to you and express how you are feeling to them. It is not weakness to admit that you occasionally need help or support
- Don't lose hope or give up - the majority of people with depression recover.
Do increase the time that you spend doing the things that you enjoy. It will also help if your chosen activities do not require deep concentration, while being sufficiently distracting e.g. watching a DVD. The latter will also help during the times when you have difficulty falling asleep.
- Do eat regularly, even when you do not have an appetite.
Don't drink an excess of alcohol. Alcohol is very enticing as it has the ability to quickly relieve the issues you are facing. However, alcohol is a depressant and will exacerbate the problem over time.
Don't make any important decision when you are depressed e.g. leaving your wife/husband. Such decisions should be put 'on hold' until your are emotionally stable and your mind is clear.
Do discuss your problems with your doctor, particularly if your symptoms persist or intensify e.g. suicidal thoughts.
Don't allow yourself do dwell on negative thoughts/feelings.
When you are feeling well enough, returning to 'normal' life with it's fast pace, will help the healing process. However do not compare yourself with other as everyone is different and thus the processes of recovery will also differ.
Occasionally the root of your depression is something that you would rather keep secrete e.g. if you suffered sexual abuse as a child. Full recovery will necessitate you discussing the issue(s) openly with your doctor our councillor
Depression Alliance
212 Spitfire Studios
63 - 71 Collier Street
London N1 9BE
Email: information@depressionalliance.org- http://www.depressionalliance.org