Posts Tagged ‘suffering from depression’

Exercise and Depression – On A Positive Note…

Beating depression can require a bunch of different strategies. Some people prefer not to swallow antidepressant drugs, with their potentially unpleasant side-effects, and seek natural alternatives. Others supplement drug treatment with other measures. It’s well documented that exercise can be helpful to people suffering from depression and for some it is the answer they’ve been looking for. In fact, some studies suggest that it is just as effective as drug therapy and should be tried first, with prescription drugs the last resort.

How Exercise Helps Fight Depression:

• Scientific studies have shown that exercise releases brain chemicals that regulate and lift mood and counter the negative effects of stress.

• Many sufferers from depression are plagued by a lack of energy. Exercise and increased physical fitness boost energy levels and make getting on with life that much easier.

• Increased physical fitness can lead to weight loss and other improvements in physical appearance. Since many victims of depression feel worthless and unattractive, this can clearly boost their confidence and self-esteem.

• Depressed people often tend to withdraw from relationships with other people and from the world. An exercise program that gets people out of the house can make a world of difference. A sport or exercise regime that involves social interactions can be affirming, diverting and all-round rewarding.

• Exercise helps with the sleep and appetite problems that sufferers from depression typically experience.

• Depressed people often lose sight of what is important to them. Everything seems difficult or unachievable and motivation levels plummet. Taking up a sport can help with setting goals and, when they are reached and surpassed, with helping people to feel motivated again and more satisfied with themselves.

• Sometimes depression arises in part from a preceding unhealthy lifestyle. Getting enough exercise and optimizing physical health is a lifestyle overhaul that has preventive as well as remedial value.

Exercise is beneficial for more than just looking good. It can elevate endorphin levels and your mood.

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Laughter Is The Best Medicine!

When you find out that you are suffering from depression, laughing is the furthest thing from your mind. In fact, there is nothing humorous about it. But, doctors are proving that laughter really can be the best medicine.

In the United States, there are over 19 million people suffering from depression. And, that is just the adults. The condition has a number of symptoms, all of which alone or in combination can be devastating to the sufferer and their families. But, laughing does have its advantages.

Under normal circumstances, have you ever noticed how you feel after laughing? We are not talking about a little chuckle but a “rolling around on the floor” kind of laugh. After you finish rubbing your sides from the ache and wiping the tears, your mood has changed.

Suddenly the world seems brighter. The effects of humor don’t disappear when you are diagnosed with depression. You can still reap the benefit of an improved mood with a few raucous laughs.

So, where do you start? Here are a few suggestions for injecting humor into your day.

1. Watch a funny movie. If you have a favorite that has made you laugh in the past, give it a try again. Watch it with a few friends so you can all laugh together.

2. Read a funny joke each day. Reader’s Digest is notorious for their page full of funny jokes and cartoons. A little humor at the beginning of the day can change your whole outlook for the day.

3. Laugh at yourself. We are all guilty of making funny faux-pas once in a while. Resist the urge to get frustrated and instead have a good laugh, on you.

4. Practice smiling. When you smile, you can’t help but feel better. Try it now and see.

Having depressive symptoms doesn’t mean that your life has to revolve around feeling bad. Take advantage of every opportunity to reverse those symptoms and have a good laugh.

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Causes of Depression

This is one of those topics that people give close attention. It is actually empowering. When you know the causes of an illness, you are more self-aware. The power is in your hands at that point to be proactive.

Depression is an illness that mostly results from an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. The ones affected are associated with neural pathways that control mood.

There isn’t just one cause for depression. In fact, finding a cause can be rather complex in its nature. Many of the causes that scientists and doctors have come up with are still being tested. Start with this list and follow up with your doctor for more in-depth information.

1. Heredity – Like other conditions such as alcoholism, you are at a greater risk if someone in your family also has the condition. Those with family members suffering from depression or who have succumbed to a depressive symptom (suicide) are more likely to develop depression according to the experts. They have not identified which types of depression that includes as yet.

2. Illness – There seems to be a correlation between illness and depression. This refers to prolonged illness like cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and heart disease. If you already have been exhibiting symptoms of depression before these illnesses your risk is greater.

3. Personality type – People who exhibit low self-esteem, poor body image, inability to handle stress, feelings of isolation and negative thinking are more likely to become depressed.

4. Nutritional deficiencies – What you eat is important. When your diet lacks vitamins and minerals instrumental in brain health, depression could become a reality in your future.

5. Medications – Some medications may have side effects that can lead you to depression. If you’ve ever read the list on the bottle, prolonged use of some can increase depressive symptoms.

Are you concerned that something in your life may be a cause for depression? You won’t know for sure unless you see a professional.