Depression Busting

photo courtesy of www.freedigitalphotos.net

photo courtesy of www.freedigitalphotos.net

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.

photo courtesy of www.freedigitalphotos.net

photo courtesy of www.freedigitalphotos.net

Here are some basic behavioral strategies that can help alleviate your depressive symptoms:

  1. Eat a healthy diet
  2. Exercise
  3. Get some sunlight
  4. Smile at others
  5. Sleep the proper amount
  6. Keep a set schedule
  7. Limit alcohol and other drugs
  8. Get involved in something you enjoy
  9. Practice gratitude
  10. Set small daily goals
  11. Attend treatment consistently

And there are plenty more! What behavioral strategies work for you?

 

Sharon Martin, a licensed counselor and psychotherapist in Northern California, specializes in helping adult children of alcoholics and others who struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, and self-criticism. She has a private psychotherapy practice in CA where she is available for online counseling. Sharon is also the author of The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism and write the blog Conquering Codependency for Psychology Today.