Depression is a state of the mind which is characterized by prolonged unhappiness, low morale, seeing negativity in everything, including life and the future. Depression can last for weeks, months or even years in extremely severe cases. When it begins to linger for a long time, most people resort to suicide as they see no reason to live. It’s a very dangerous disease that’s ravaging the community these days

Depression drains one’s energy, morale, enthusiasm, hope, faith, making it completely difficult for one to move on and keep doing great.

It’s not something one can just easily come out of. It can be caused as a result of excessive stress, loss of loved ones, poverty, sickness and so on. Keep reading to see the ways by which you can get out of depression.

1. FORGIVE YOURSELF FOR YOUR MISTAKES

People make mistakes everyday. But some people make mistakes that they feel they can’t bring themselves to forgive themselves. Did you lose that person or that opportunity and you feel it’s entirely your fault? Forgive yourself and move on.

2. REWARD YOURSELF FOR YOUR EFFORTS

You’ve done something laudable or you’ve achieved success in something, come on, celebrate it, reward yourself. You might not have to do something so big, but be sure to recognize your successes and celebrate it. Memories of successes achieved is strong enough to make you very happy.

3. EXERCISE REGULARLY

You might want to consider exercising. Going for a morning run will so do you a lot of good. It’ll help clear your head. Sitting around doing nothing might be a bad idea. Research has shown that exercise is a powerful antidepressant. Taking a walk, going to the gym, doing home workout, will do a lot of good. I personally noticed I feel much better and relaxed and happier after I workout.

4. LISTEN TO MUSIC AND DANCE, WATCH COMEDY VIDEOS

We all know for sure that good music has a powerful effect on the mind, it helps to cheer one up. But be careful, select the kind of music you listen. Stay away from heartbreaking, saddening songs, it’ll only lead to more depression. Play danceable sings and dance yourself out. Watch comedy videos, watch nice movies, attend music concerts. All these will help you stay happy.

5. FREQUENTLY TREAT YOURSELF TO YOUR FAVOURITE DISHES

Personally, eating my Pounded yam and egusi soup (Yoruba dish) and chicken gives me so much joy. There’s a powerful effect that food has on one, aside the fact that it satisfies hunger. It gives optimum pleasure and happiness. So, frequently eating you favourite foods to your satisfaction will do you a lot of good.

6. HANGOUT WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

Hanging out with friends and families is sure a good way to get out of depression. You know, socialization. Going for picnics, vacation, going to the movies, shopping and all. It’ll greatly help you get you out of depression.

7) AVOID STRESS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

Chronic stress has been found to be a cause of depression. Stress is an almost unavoidable thing lately and it’s plunging a lot of people into depression. Avoid stress as much as possible. Read on how to manage stress below.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

8) DON’T DO WHAT THE ‘DEPRESSION VOICE’ SAYS. DON’T LISTEN TO IT

There’s a ‘depression voice’ that keeps telling you to do something nasty. Don’t ever listen to it. Do good things instead, you know, like helping people and all.

Staying in a place all day, brooding is when negative thoughts and voices start coming in. Keep yourself busy, even if it’s not something you really want to do or find fun, just say to yourself, “at least it’s better than staying idle.”

9) HAVE A LOT OF FUN DOING YOUR HOBBY

Singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, drawing, painting, doing sports, and many more. People take these things as hobbies. I want to believe everyone has at least one hobby. Find that one thing that gives you joy when you do it, and do it very very frequently. You’ll discover you feel much better, lightened up and overcome depression.

10) LOOK AWAY FROM THE NEGATIVITIES OF LIFE AND BE A POSITIVE PERSON

No matter how much negativity and bad energy has filled the air around you, look away from those things as much as possible and find the positivities, assure yourself that regardless of how bad today is, tomorrow is pretty beautiful. Stop listening to a lot of bad news on TV. Stop keeping track of COVID-19 cases. Lol. It’ll only fill your heart with fear and depression. Just say to yourself reassuringly “I’ll be just fine, and I’ll do just great.”

11) CONSIDER THERAPY OR CLINICAL TREATMENT

Depression can be taken care of perfectly by therapists. You can also visit a clinic and they’ll help you out. Book an appointment with your therapist or doctor if you think you have depression issues, especially when it’s threatening your mental health. Be very open to whoever is around to help you, either a doctor or a therapist, don’t hoard information.

12) PRAY, STUDY THE BIBLE (OR YOUR HOLY BOOK) AND MEDITATE ON WHAT WILL HELP BUILD YOUR FAITH OR CHEER YOU UP

As a Christian, I strongly believe in prayers and the Bible. Pray to your God, read your holy book and meditate on it, especially the parts that help to grow your faith and cheer you up.

#war_against_depression. Say no to depression. Live a good and healthy life and be fit. Don’t forget to exercise regularly. Please, don’t forget to like, share and comment.

Merci 💪