Depression

Warning Signs of Depression in a Loved One

1.   Sudden appetite or weight changes.

2.   Changes in sleep habits.

3.   Drug or alcohol use.

4.   Fatigue (Some research has shown that up to 90% of people who experience depression also experience chronic fatigue).

5.   Forced happiness.

6.   Loss of concentration.

7.   Loss of interest in hobbies.

8.   Excessive irritability.

9.   Loss of sex drive.

          Adapted from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325513#loss-of-concentration

Things To Do If You're Feeling Depressed:

Take a Walk:   Being outside and moving has shown to improve mood, thanks to the increased endorphins that come from physical activity!

Cooking:   Preparing a meal is an excellent way to keep busy, do something creative and have something tasty to eat at the end. Try new recipes or make old favorites. If you prefer baking, whip up a pie or a batch of your favorite cookies!

Chores:   Believe it or not, some people find household chores to be calming and therapeutic. Washing dishes, dusting or reorganizing things allows you to refocus your mind and, in the case of reorganization, flexes your creativity as well.

Ride a Bike:   Refocus your mind to pedaling and enjoy the endorphins. Many cities also have bikes you can rent and drop off in different parts of town, which is an excellent way to explore a new neighborhood with little expense.

Baths:   There’s a reason baths are so luxurious, and part of that is because they make you so comfortable. Spending an hour with some bubbles, a good read and maybe even some candles can distract you and help your mind relax. It’s one of the simplest forms of self-care.

See a Movie:   Going to the movies by yourself is an underrated activity, especially if you opt to go during the daytime, when multiplexes aren’t as busy. Get lost in a great movie or documentary, often in a theater that’s pretty much empty.

Get a Massage:   If baths don’t do anything for you, book a massage for yourself and allow a professional to help you relax, body and mind.

Coloring:   Adult coloring books may seem like a fad, but they have legitimate value in treating depression. Allowing you to be creative, focused and occupied, adult coloring books soothe and bring peace of mind.

Reading in the Park:   Sometimes, being among a crowd of people can be comforting and make you feel less lonely and isolated. Sitting with a good book and maybe some small snacks in a park on a sunny day may be one of the best simple activities to fight depression.

Gardening:   Working with plants, especially with your hands, has proved to lessen the severity of depression, plus, the final product provides a sense of pride. You can start with a couple of plants on your windowsill or in your backyard. You can also look into renting a plot to garden in or volunteer with community gardens.

Arts and Crafts:   Creativity is an ideal way to express yourself, and it can help you do that even when you don’t intend to. Writing, pottery and sketching are some examples of creative outlets for depression. Paper crafts, like making cards, or needlework, like knitting or embroidery, help you focus on a detailed task that often requires your full attention, leaving little room for unhappy or harmful thoughts to take over.

Take a Virtual Tour:   Many museums and zoos offer free virtual tours. Check them out Here!

Games:   Video games and old-fashioned puzzles are fun activities for depression that help you refocus your mind and also stimulate it. Casual video gaming has shown to reduce stress and lessen symptoms of depression. Both video games and puzzles require you to use problem-solving skills, which is a way to exercise your creativity.

Have a Bite:   Treat yourself to a meal at your favorite restaurant. Bring a book along or request a seat by the window and do some people-watching while enjoying a delicious meal.

Get Cultured:   If you feel you’re not artistic yourself, enrich your day by visiting an art gallery or museum and enjoy the work of others.

Yoga:   Since this ancient practice is a spiritual one at its core, the benefits of yoga go beyond physical. When you include yoga — and all its mindfulness practices — with your treatment for depression, like antidepressants and therapy, you will likely see an overall improvement in your physical and mental health.

          Adapted from: https://advancedpsychiatryassociates.com/resources/blog/solo-activities-for-depression/ 

And If None Of Those Work, Here Is A Video Of Some Cute Baby Animals:



Some Good Resources For You:

• https://www.instagram.com/realdepressionproject/

• https://www.nimh.nih.gov/get-involved/education-awareness/shareable-resources-on-depression

• https://www.thebridgetorecovery.com/

Warning Signs of Suicide