Depression Busting by Sharon Martin, LCSW
Depression is a very common disease in the United States. The good news is that it’s very treatable. People do recover from depression and/or keep their symptoms manageable. Many do well with a combination of medication, cognitive, and behavioral strategies. A therapist can help you change your negative thoughts and feelings (the cognitive part). David Burns, M.D. has also written many excellent self-help books on cognitive behavioral therapy.
Here are some basic behavioral strategies that can help alleviate your depressive symptoms:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise
- Get some sunlight
- Smile at others
- Sleep the proper amount
- Keep a set schedule
- Limit alcohol and other drugs
- Get involved in something you enjoy
- Practice gratitude
- Set small daily goals
- Attend treatment consistently
And there are plenty more! What behavioral strategies work for you?