What to know about avoiding depression

People are so focused on their physical health; they often forget to look after their mental health. Mental health is one of the most important things for our well-being. A lot of lifestyle diseases such as cardiac arrests, obesity, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances are stress and mental health-related. If you take care of your mind then your body will follow suit. It is especially of importance today when we are all quarantined at home, some isolated from their families, struggling from job losses or debts, and just hanging on. What can you do to avoid depression? Is there a way?

Honestly speaking, there is no way to even know you are depressed at times. There is no scientifically proven method you can try to avoid depression. What you can do instead is support yourself, build your mental health, and understand what your mind is trying to tell you. Let’s look at navigating depression and mental health-related issues.

Understanding how to take care of your health and body is crucial. You may be working, have a family, have personal responsibilities, and a home to look after. Doing all of this takes up a chunk of your time daily. By the time you are free, you don’t have the headspace to do anything else. That has to change. You have to learn to PUT YOURSELF FIRST. There are a few questions you should be answering before we begin.

ARE YOU STRESSED?

ARE YOU HAVING TROUBLE EXERCISING OR WORKING OUT?

ARE YOU BINGE EATING OR BARELY EATING?

ARE YOU IRRITATED EASILY?

DO YOU AVOID MEETING OR TALKING TO PEOPLE?

DO YOU FEEL LIKE CRYING AT TIMES WITHOUT ANY SPECIFIC REASON?

These questions are not just random questions but a window into your mind. When you have stress that is your brain signaling to you that you need to calm down and relax. It is easier said than done however you must try. First, try to find out what the stress is about. Is it about your job? Is it something personal? Can you do anything about it right now? Is it too big an issue or is it something that can be handled later? Use a diary to write down your feelings. Start with ‘I am stressed because..’ and let the words flow. Writing your feelings can act as a catharsis for many people. Your feelings journal should be about how and why you feel the way you do.

Lack of motivation is one of the signs of being anxious and depressed. People stop working out or work out too much, there are often extremes. Exercise releases endorphins which can make you feel relieved and happier. Start with something simple like a 20 minute walk or yoga. Yoga is really helpful in fighting depression and anxiety. Exercising should feel like a release for your stress and once you get in the groove, it will make you feel much better. You can download soothing music to play alongside while you work out. Running is also an excellent way of reducing stress and anxiety. Runners share that they feel excited and calmer after running daily. You can start slow and build up to a higher intensity. This isn’t about losing weight or anything; it is about creating a routine to stabilize your mind.

Binge eating is one of the common side effects of poor mental health. People have specific cravings or eat at random times. Some people avoid eating at all. This unhealthy eating pattern can cause further damage to your body and mind. Eating late at night causes obesity, diabetes, and other heart related diseases. Starving yourself could also cause many diseases and health issues. Set an eating schedule for yourself. If you don’t feel like eating, have a piece of fruit but eat something. You can download nutrition trackers like MyFitnessPal to record your eating habits. You will notice the kind of calories you are putting in your body. Eating processed junk food loaded with sugar and carbohydrates all the time is bound to make you feel sluggish and dull. Eat fresh, homemade food as much as you can. Purchase salads, fresh vegetables, fruits, milk, and eggs for your consumption if you are unable to cook. Ask a friend over for coffee and croissants once a week to make sure you are eating enough. Or set a video call with family over a meal. Nutrition is one of the key factors in fighting depression.

Your emotions may feel overwhelming at times. You get irritated easily or you feel like crying at random times. This is your mind and body telling you it’s stressed and depressed. You need to cope in a better manner. Reach out to friends and family. Tell them how you think you are feeling. Be very real and honest. If your friends and family are unable to help, it is time to turn to therapy and professional help. There should be absolutely no shame in asking for help with mental health. If this was a physical issue, would you hesitate? No! Put yourself first and find out about therapy. If you can’t afford therapy, there are a lot of cheaper and free options available online.

You can’t avoid depression. It is something that affects people without them even realizing it. The best thing one can do is understand it, accept it, and learn how to cope with it.