Depression Tips

You can either make an appointment to see your GP or refer yourself on our accessing Talking Change page. You can also try some of the tips on the wellbeing page or why not try one of our quick tips below:

Take care of you: To battle depression you need to look after yourself. This can include eating, sleeping, routine management and asking for help from others. Try to write a list of things that you can do for a quick mood boost, paying particular attention to things that have helped in the past. This may be reading a book, listening to music or doing something spontaneous. Try do one of these a day, even if you are feeling good.
Get regular exercise: When you feel low, exercise can be the last thing on your mind, but exercise is a powerful tool. It reduces stress, relieves tension and raises endorphins-the happy hormone! Remember to start small, take the stairs, try a brisk walk around the block or walk around the house whilst on the phone.
Eat a healthy diet: What you eat can have a direct impact on how you feel. A balanced diet of protein, complex carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables can provide you with energy and boost serotonin levels. Try to reduce sugar and refined carbs; "comfort foods" such as pasta or chips may taste good but they can quickly lead to a crash in mood and energy.
Challenge negative thinking: Feeling low can put a negative filter on everything. The way you see your future, yourself and the daily situations you encounter, It isn't as simple as merely just being able to think 'positively'; the trick is to replace negative thoughts with more balanced thoughts. It's easy to be our own worse critic but ask yourself "What evidence is there for this," balance the negative thoughts and focus on the reality of the situation.
Confide in others: On your own, it can be difficult to get the energy required to beat depression, but depression can make it difficult to reach out. For some the idea of reaching out can feel overwhelming, shaming and exhausting. Share what you are going through with the people you feel close to. Support from others can provide the encouragement you need to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.