by Pennee Struckman

Created on: September 05, 2009

How does a person cope with depression? Most depressions occur because a person cannot cope with the present situation. Depression can be mild, lasting less than two weeks, or more severe. Moderate depression lasts more than two weeks; severe depression includes self-hate and thoughts of suicide.

Depression is non-selective. It can occur in young and old. Depression is caused by the death of a loved one, a disappointment, abuse, chronic stress, or illness. Whatever the cause, it is important to recognize that you are depressed. There is no shame in depression. It is really the mental reaction of human nature when life becomes too hard. Each person has a built in tolerance level and learned coping skills. When circumstances occur that we have not had to handle before, we don't know how to cope. And, for some things, like the death of a child or social isolation, there are no learned behaviors to draw from.

So how do you cope with depression? You acknowledge that you are sad, and that the sadness is not lifting. Talk to your clergy, spiritual advisor, or friends. Sometimes just unburdening yourself helps.

Take care of yourself. Get involved in activities that make you happy, even if you don't feel like it. The activity can be a simple as taking the dog for a walk, or knitting. Just engage yourself in something you like. Make yourself exercise. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which is a "feel good" chemical. Get up each day, bathe, and get dressed. Even if your day at this point means sitting on the couch.

Talk to your doctor about what you are going through. Your physician may suggest a short-term course of anti-depression drug therapy. The medication can give you the 'lift' you need to take positive steps toward exercising, and making a plan to learn to cope.

Try to get enough sleep. Sleep has a way of restoring the body and the mind. If you are badly depressed, you may be tempted to sleep too much. If this happens, set your alarm. Get up, get dressed, take a walk, eat something, and go back to sleep. Increase your time awake each day by 30 minutes.

If your depression is the result of deeper issues, take to a professional. You may be surprised to find that your issues are common, and there are steps to heal from this form of depression.

Coping with depression is difficult at first, because depression is the reaction to not being able to cope. Enlist the help of a family member or friend to help you take the steps you need to get better.

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