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How to come out of Depression

Be a HAPPY person in the world

By ElavarasanPublished 3 years ago 5 min read
How to come out of Depression
Photo by Jacqueline Munguía on Unsplash

BE A HAPPY PERSON, THE WORLD IS BIG

Treatment for depression typically includes some combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Therapy can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns, or talk therapy, which allows individuals to explore and work through their feelings and emotions. Medication options for depression include antidepressants, which can help regulate the chemicals in the brain that affect mood.

In addition to therapy and medication, there are a number of lifestyle changes that can help alleviate symptoms of depression. These can include:

• Getting regular exercise

• Eating a healthy diet

• Getting enough sleep

• Setting realistic goals for oneself

• Avoiding alcohol and drugs

• Building a support system of friends and family

• Practicing mindfulness or meditation

It's important to note that everyone's experience with depression is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's also important to work with a mental health professional to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Also, worth noting that if your depression is severe or persistent, then you may benefit from professional help of Psychologist, Psychiatrist or therapist and they can help you access other support and treatment options.

Getting regular exercise

Getting regular exercise can be an effective way to alleviate symptoms of depression. Exercise has been shown to release endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that can improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Exercise can also improve sleep, increase self-esteem, and provide a sense of accomplishment.

The type of exercise that's best for treating depression will vary from person to person, but some good options include:

• Aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or dancing, can help improve mood and energy levels.

• Resistance training, such as weightlifting, can help increase muscle strength and endurance.

• Yoga and tai chi, which combine physical movement with mindfulness and deep breathing, can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

It is recommended to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, most days of the week. But it's important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercise.

It is also recommended to talk to a mental health professional to develop a treatment plan that includes regular exercise. It is also good to know that exercise alone might not be enough, and it's best to combine it with other treatments such as therapy and medication as well.

Setting realistic goals for oneself

Setting realistic goals for oneself is an important aspect of managing depression. Having a sense of purpose and working towards something can help improve mood and give a sense of accomplishment. However, it's important to set goals that are achievable, as setting unrealistic goals can lead to feelings of failure and frustration.

Here are a few tips for setting realistic goals for oneself when dealing with depression:

• Start small: Setting small, attainable goals can help build momentum and confidence, which can make it easier to take on bigger challenges later on.

• Prioritize: Identify the most important areas you want to focus on, and set goals that will make the most impact.

• Break it down: Break larger goals down into smaller, more manageable steps.

• Be specific: Set specific, measurable goals rather than general, open-ended ones.

• Be flexible: Allow yourself to adjust your goals as needed, and don't be too hard on yourself if you fall short.

• Celebrate progress: Recognize and celebrate small successes along the way.

It's also important to work with a therapist, as he/she can help you identify and overcome any barriers that may be preventing you from achieving your goals and help you develop a plan of action to achieve them.

It is also important to keep in mind that depression might affect motivation and ability to pursue goals, so it's important to balance realistic goal-setting with self-compassion and self-care.

Building a support system of friends and family

Building a support system of friends and family can be an important part of managing depression. Having a supportive network of people to turn to can provide emotional and social support, which can be essential for individuals dealing with depression.

Here are a few ways to build a support system of friends and family:

• Share what you're going through: Let your loved ones know how you're feeling, and ask for their support.

• Be open to help: When people offer to help, accept it and let them know how they can best support you.

• Connect with others: Join a support group or talk to other individuals who are going through similar experiences.

• Find a therapist: A therapist can provide professional support and guidance, and can also be a part of your support system.

• Stay in touch: Regularly reach out to friends and family members, whether it's through phone calls, text messages, or social media.

It's important to remember that building a support system takes time, and it may take some effort to find the right people. But once you have a strong support system in place, it can provide a sense of security and comfort that can be invaluable when dealing with depression.

It's also important to understand that not all people in your life will be able to give the support you need, and that's okay, sometimes it's better to have a few close people who understand you and can provide the support you need rather than many acquaintances.

Practicing mindfulness or meditation

Practicing mindfulness or meditation can be an effective way to alleviate symptoms of depression. Mindfulness and meditation are mental practices that involve paying attention to the present moment without judgment.

Mindfulness can be practiced in a variety of ways, such as through yoga, tai chi, or simply by paying attention to your breath or a specific task. It's a way of learning to focus your attention, and also to observe and acknowledge thoughts and emotions, but not get caught up in them.

Meditation is a practice that can help reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and promote feelings of calm and relaxation. There are many different forms of meditation, including:

• Focused meditation, in which you focus on a specific object or thought

• Open-awareness meditation, in which you pay attention to whatever is happening in the present moment, without focusing on any one thing in particular

• Loving-kindness meditation, in which you focus on cultivating feelings of love and compassion for yourself and others

It's important to note that mindfulness and meditation are not a substitute for professional help or medication if needed, but it can be a valuable addition to treatment plans.

It's recommended to start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the length of time spent on practicing, it can be helpful to find a quiet, comfortable place to sit and set aside a specific time of day to practice, like in the morning or evening. And also, it's good to have a teacher or guide to help you to start and to give you guidance through the process.

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