What Can You Do To Handle Depression At Home?

For Biblical encouragement in worry and depression, check out my devotional 5 Minute Devotions for Worry.

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When you’re feeling the full weight of depression, it can sometimes feel like all you can do to get up in the morning. It can feel like you’re helpless and hopeless, but that’s not the case. Aside from talking to your doctor about medication and therapy options, there are steps you can take at home to help manage the symptoms of depression and work towards a better mood and mindset.

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Get moving

One of the best things you can do for your brain is to move your body. When you work out, your brain can release “happy hormones” known as endorphins, which can relieve feelings of depression at the moment but can also make long-term changes to how the brain handles changes in mood. Whether it’s going to the gym more often, getting into a new sport, or even just going for an extra walk a day, fitness can make a significant difference.

Know and fight your “inner voice”

To a lot of people, struggling with depression can feel a lot like there is an inner voice that chimes in, often to tell you that you’re helpless, no good, or this, that, and the other. Taking the time to organize your feelings and to recognize this inner voice can help you get better at standing up to it and saying “no.” Practicing mindful self-awareness can be a huge help.

Supplement with a difference

Just as your brain can interact with exercise in a way to release the chemicals that can make positive impacts on your mood, the same can be said for certain supplements. In particular, a lot of people have found particular use for CBD oil. Unlike THC, which is derived from the same source, CBD has no psychoactive properties, so you’re not going to get high from using it. However, a lot of people report that it can help them find relief from stress and anxiety, and boost their mood.

Treat yourself to a pleasant activity

You might not feel in the mood to go see a movie or to treat yourself to a day at the spa, but you shouldn’t wait until the mood strikes. When you’re feeling depressed, you could be waiting a long time. Mini-vacations, breaks, and fun day-long activities with your willing and active participation can help to change your mindset for the day. Effectively, you can fake it til you make it without having to put on a face for anyone else. Go it alone and date yourself.

Get out into the sun

This isn’t some alternative medicine therapy. Sun exposure is important for your mental health. Aside from playing a role in achieving a healthy sleeping schedule, being out in the sun is a way of getting vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is a proven factor in depression, so you might even want to get some supplements to help you top up.

None of the tips above are a “silver bullet” cure for depression. However, they can help you build up a change in mood that can last beyond just the day or week. They can play a real role in treating depression.