Do you often feel powerless, helpless or weak? Are you being pessimistic about most aspects of your life and can’t imagine anything improving? You may be having a depression. Depression puts a negative spin on everything, including the way you see yourself. It drains your energy and makes you feel tired no matter what you do, making it difficult to take the steps that will help you feel better. While overcoming depression isn’t quick or easy, it is far from impossible, and you do have more control over it than you realize. Feeling better takes time, but you can get there by making positive choices for yourself every day.
Following tips may be helpful in overcoming depression: Get physical exercise. Exercising and getting out into nature lower stress hormone levels rapidly. Sunlight also helps you relax and destress through the release of endorphins.
Get enough sleep. The quality of your sleep directly affects the quality of your life. Start going to bed and waking up the same time every day and night. It will make you feel more well-rested and better generally.
Eat right. The food such as salmon, walnuts, and dark chocolate can improve your mood. Reduce your intake of unhealthy foods and products such as sugary snacks and junk food.
Stop drinking alcohol. While drinking might make you feel better momentarily, it will only make your depression worse. People who drink too much alcohol have more frequent and severe episodes of depression.
Laugh. As they say, laughter is better than any medicine. Studies have shown that laughter does indeed make you feel better by improving your mood. Laughing also boosts your immune system. So, go out and hit the local comedy store or watch some of your favorite funny movies.
Maintain social relationships. Though you may wish to be alone and away from others, it is essential to stay sociable and spend time out. Hang out with people who make you feel positive about yourself.
Stay busy. Fill your schedule with events and activities you love. Keeping a busy schedule will force you to stay active, focused, and thinking about the next thing on your plate.
Do the things you enjoy. Pick up a hobby or a sport you used to like. Listen to music, attend dancing classes or just go swimming. You can express yourself through creative writing or taking photos in nature too.
Do not give up and “always remember that after the darkest storm is when the rainbows come out.”
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Mendi is a passionate advocate for teens and adults in the mental health and addiction arenas. Mendi envisions and creates programs bringing a unique approach to mental health and substance use treatment.
Clinically trained, Mendi earned a BA with honors in psychology and social work at the University of Maryland and an MSW at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. His extensive experience as a therapist includes individual and group psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults and families in various settings.
Mendi has gained insight and experience from his work at several treatment centers, which include the Chesapeake Center for Youth Development, the Carroll County Youth Services Bureau, Chabad Crisis Centers and the Center for Discovery and Adolescent Changes.
Prior to launching Hope Street, Mendi conceived and built multiple successful, high end adolescent and adult residential facilities and outpatient programs that include Ignite Teen Treatment, Eden Treatment and Elemental Treatment.
Mendi has appeared on the Dr. Phil show, is regularly featured in mental health and addiction publications and speaks around the country in person, on TV and on Radio shows on these topics.
With his newest ventures, Mendi instills a unique blend of energy, creativity and expertise to the treatment of teens, adults and their families dealing with trauma, addiction and mental health issues.
The son of a Rabbi and eldest of 11 children, Mendi is a part-time rock musician, boxer, cantor and father of four.