Five tips on dealing with sadness and depression

Feelings of sadness and depression can have a dramatic impact on your quality of life.

They may cause you to feel hopeless, mentally exhausted, and without motivation.

It can sometimes feel like you are trapped in a dire situation with no way to escape.

It is important to understand that these feelings are temporary and that there is a way forward.

With the right combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, and medications you will overcome any feelings of sadness and depression.

This guide will help you get started on your journey to enjoying a depression-free life.

We’ll explain the difference between sadness and depression before providing the five best tips for beating depression once-and-for-all.

The difference between sadness and depression

Sadness is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences on a regular basis.

It may be triggered by a disappointing, stressful, hurtful, or challenging event that you are involved in or witness to.

When people feel sad, it is about a specific event.

That means that when the event is resolved or time passes, that feeling of sadness goes away.

When a person is depressed, they are experiencing a mental illness that causes a constant abnormal emotional state.

Depression makes everything seem less enjoyable and less worthwhile.

A depressed person won’t enjoy their hobbies as much as they used to, won’t relate to other people in the same way and will struggle with motivation.

Depression isn’t necessarily linked to a specific event.

It is an ongoing health concern that makes everything seem less important and less interesting.

When you are depressed, feelings of pleasure, joy, excitement, satisfaction, and joy are greatly reduced.

If you are experiencing feelings of sadness, you should expect them to go away or be less severe within a couple of weeks.

However, if they continue longer and begin to affect all aspects of your life, it may be depression.

If you suspect you are depressed seek help from a medical professional, friends, or family members.

Symptoms of depression

The most common symptoms of depression include:

•   Feeling sad, irritable, or angry most of the time
•   You no longer enjoy the hobbies that you used to love
•   Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or sleeping much longer than normal)
•   Changes to your appetite or weight
•   Having low self-esteem with feelings of guilt and hopelessness.
•   Trouble making rational decisions, remaining focussed, or being creative
•   A constant feeling of tiredness, sluggishness, or a lack of energy
•   Having thoughts of suicide

If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, seek treatment from a medical professional immediately.

Dealing with sadness and depression

Recovering from depression requires that you take action — which can be very difficult when you are feeling tired, hopeless.

These simple tips are designed to help you make a start, helping you eventually enjoy a happier and healthier life that is free of depression.

Look for support immediately

Having a support network will help you deal with any feelings of sadness and depression you are experiencing.

You will be able to discuss the root causes of your feelings, determine the best way forward, and obtain treatment.

Some of the best support mechanisms include:

Talking with a compassionate family member

If you have a family member you trust, talk to them about your feelings.

They will be able to help you process your emotions and obtain the right kind of help.

Talk to friends

If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your family about your feelings of depression, approach a trusted friend.

Join a support group for depression

It can be hard for people who don’t have depression to understand what you are going through.

That’s why attending a support group for depression is often a good idea.

You will be able to talk to other people who are experiencing many of the same feelings and challenges as you.

Talk to a medical professional

Medical professionals have the training necessary to correctly evaluating your mental health and developing a plan to help you get better.

They will help you obtain the treatments you need as soon as possible.

Continue attending social engagements

Depression makes it very difficult to connect with other people or to enjoy every day activities like attending social events.

Despite this, you should make an effort to continue attending your normal social engagements.

This can slow the progression of depression and reduce your recovery time.

Care for a pet

Researchers have discovered that caring for a pet can reduce feelings of depression.

The simple act of patting a cat or dog will stimulate the brain and release endorphins — a natural chemical that will lift your mood.

Spending time with an animal will also help to reduce any negative or obsessive thoughts that you are having.

Be more active

Again, this is a difficult task for someone dealing with depression but it does make a drastic difference eventually.

Be as active as you can.

Take up a new hobby, exercise regularly, visit new places, meet new people.

Start by going for a walk every day at a specific time.

Even a brisk 20-minute walk around the local neighbourhood will provide some benefits.

Eat a healthy diet

Scientists have discovered that eating a healthy diet can treat major depression.

They suggest eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish, lean red meats, olive oil and nuts.

At the same time, you should reduce consumption of sweets, refined cereals, fried food, fast-food, processed meats and sugary drinks.