How to Prevent Clinical Depression

Many people suffer from depression from time to time; however, clinical depression is a depression that lasts for a longer period of time. It will generally last most of the time, with changes in eating and sleeping habits, along with feeling bad about oneself. There are some steps that can taken to help prevent clinical depression.

• Be positive instead of negative. If you are always searching for the negative, it is likely that you will find it. In some cases, it can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you assume things will go wrong and be bad all the time, you may make the very thing you do not want come true. Try to change your thinking a little at a time. Instead of being upset by sink full of dishes, be happy that there was food to eat. If you feel like you can't get anything done because of kids in and out of the house all day, think about how lucky you are to have people to share your life with. It will not always be easy to turn a negative thought into a positive, but giving it a try may help you.


• Banish as much stress and anxiety as you can from your life. Both stress and anxiety can lead into depression. Try techniques designed to help you relax, such as yoga and meditation. If you have more going on than you can reasonably handle, delegate some of the responsibilities. Learn to say no; you do not have to do everything people ask of you. Make time for a bubble bath, a visit with friends and exercise. Exercise, even if it is only a walk around the block, does a lot to release stress.


• Stay away from alcohol. Many people may feel that a drink or two helps to ease stress and help with relaxation, but alcohol is actually a depressant and may make feelings of sadness and depression worse.


• Talk to friends, family or even a therapist if you feel that depression is taking over your life. Even if you just feel down, talking helps. Getting the words out can sometimes be a relief and enough to make you start feeling better.


• Be good to yourself; remember that you are important. It is easy to get so wrapped up in taking care of everyone else, that you forget to do the same for yourself. Make it a point to give yourself some free time to pursue activities you enjoy. Even if all you want to do is sit in the yard on the swing and look at the stars, that is your time; do not let anyone take it from you.