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Depression-Help-Center.com |
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Happiness | Self-Help
Self Help
There are a number of methods of self-help you can pursue including self-awareness, mood modification, faith and reading. Each will be discussed briefly below:
Self-Awareness
- Accept the fact that you are suffering from depression and need help
- Motivate yourself - get busy taking some action
- Ask for support from friends, relatives and others including professional help if you feel it is necessary
- Gather knowledge about depression
- Use your knowledge to defeat your depression
- Start building your self esteem and confidence - read and take action
The key to self-awareness is ACTION - you need to decide that you are going to take action and that you are going to win the battle against depression.
Mood Modification
Mood modification involves some unique strategies that are primarily designed to redirect your mental thinking. Some of the techniques may seem simplistic or even foolish but each has a purpose.
- Pause and clear your mind. How? By firmly pressing your right thumb against your right forefinger for 10 quick seconds. Repeat using your left hand. Do this little exercise 5 more times. You are taking two minutes out of your schedule to clear your mind of concerns and problems.
- Find a Buddy. A good buddy. This buddy and you should come to an agreement that each of you is a sounding board for the other. If you need to unload some "garbage" on your buddy or yell or scream, be willing to listen when your buddy needs to do the same.
- Wardrobe change. Buy some clothes, new or used, that make you feel good. Wearing athletic socks and shoes in the kitchen is OK. Get dressed-up on occasion - even if you are only going to the grocery store.
- Go to the Movies. Watch a movie that you will enjoy. Buy some popcorn too.
- Create something. If you need to destroy something first, before the creation, OK. Tear down the old wooden fence outback. But be sure and create a new one. Or find a new recipe and create an interesting meal.
- The Eyes have it. Take a white piece of paper and draw two dots, about an inch apart. Then stare at the space between the dots until the dots merge together. Do this three times. This will relax the mind and improve your mood.
Faith
Religious faith is a source of strength for many people. Your faith can be a powerful tool in overcoming depression. It can give you a sense of comfort and companionship, motivation and purpose. A person with religious faith feels less isolated or lonely.
The Bible has been used by millions of people to guide them to a better life. It is full of advice on how to find happiness in your life. Why not read it?
Reading
Reading is a great help and offers a form of therapy. You will find some excellent books on depression and happiness.
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