10 Unusual Ways to Ease Depression

In today’s fast paced world, depression is all too common. Here are a few ways to help ease the symptoms.

1. Find The Cause

If you think a specific thing in your life might be worsening your depression, it would be best to cut it out. Whether this is a friend or a family member, it is important to remember that you should put your mental health first. There is no shame in cutting toxicity from your life.

2. Shut Out the Media

We are bombarded everyday by messages. Some make us feel like we are not good enough while others make us fret about the state of the world. Cutting out the negative outside influences in your life will give you less to worry about or compare yourself to.

3. Keep Yourself Constantly Busy

While many would believe that you need time to relax and reflect when you are feeling depressed, it could worsen things. If there are thoughts you’d rather not deal with, distract yourself by doing something productive that will make your life easier. For example, make any appointments you’ve been putting off, clean the entire house, etc.

4. Spend Time Alone

Well-meaning friends could make you feel worse as they do not understand what you are going through. Take some time to get to know yourself by taking yourself out on a date. This way, you can do whatever makes YOU happy without having to compromise for another person.

5. Identify All the Problems You Have

Many people receive dual diagnosis. If you suspect that you might have another problem alongside depression, for example an alcohol dependency, get the necessary help to deal with all your illnesses. Help for dual diagnosis is readily available as the problem is more common than many people would think.

6. Remind Yourself Not to Be Ungrateful

Once you start appreciating all the little things that daily life offers (running water, comfortable bed, hot coffee) things start to look a little brighter, little by little.

7. Embrace Monotony

While many people would say mixing things up and living life on impulse would make you feel better, the truth is that uncertainty can add anxiety to depression. Knowing exactly what you’re going to do, and when you’re going to do it, will give you peace of mind.

8. Take Sleep Supplements

Many people don’t like the idea of not falling asleep in a ‘natural’ way, but the truth is that getting too little sleep will only make you feel worse. Taking a few sleeping pills is the lesser of two evils.

9. Get A Furry Companion

Once you’re responsible for another being’s livelihood, you’ll have something to live for. The love of an animal could be what you need to start loving yourself.

1. Massage Your Ears

Strange, but true, rubbing a person’s ears has been proven to improve their mood. When things get overwhelming take a couple of minutes to try this trick.