Depressed? Here’s What To Do Now

If you need help finding a therapist or someone to talk to about depression, these resources can help:

If you are feeling depressed…

1. Seek help. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (suicidepreventionlifeline.org).
2. Let those closest to you know. Point them to more information to help them better understand what you are going through.
3. Get enough sleep. When you’re stressed, your body needs additional rest. Insomnia is often a symptom
   of depression, so talk to your health provider about natural sleep remedies.
4. Take a time-out. In addition to a treatment plan, do what relaxes you, whether it’s yoga, massage, listening to music or taking a bath.
5. Don’t stop taking prescribed medications unless advised to.
6. Add mood-boosting foods to your diet, including nuts, fatty fish, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and dark chocolate.

If you have a friend or family member suffering from depression…

1. Be supportive. “Telling people to ‘buck up’ and get over it and move on is the worst thing you can say to someone with depression,” says Nancy, a depression sufferer.
2. Really listen. If your loved one feels like talking, ask how you can help.
3. Learn more. Remember, depression is no one’s fault; it’s a very real medical condition.

SOURCE: This article by Lisa Truesdale is posted by permission Delicious Living (and its parent company New Hope Network), a trusted voice in the natural living community for 30 years.