Ways to Overcome Depression

Ways to Overcome Depression
How to cope with symptoms of stress and depression and find relief from your mental health struggles.
According to the American Institute of Stress, stress is the body’s response to physical or emotional demands. Emotional stress can play a role in causing depression or be a symptom of it. A stressful situation can trigger feelings of depression, and these feelings can make it more difficult to deal with stress.
What causes stress?
Stress is different for everyone. For example, large groups of people may be a major cause of stress for you, while your friend may thrive in loud and busy environments.
Common causes of stress include:
● Life changes - job loss, death of a loved one, or sickness
● Work or school - deadlines, finals, or a filled schedule
● Relationship difficulties - fighting, miscommunication, etc.
● Busyness - a schedule that leaves little time to relax
● Family dynamics - marital problems, fighting with parents, etc.
● Financial struggles - job loss, unexpected expenses, or financial crisis
● Illness - illness can put stress on the body, leading to mental stress
● Lack of exercise - exercise is important for your physical and mental health
● Poor sleep - lack of sleep can negatively affect your mental health
● Alcohol consumption - excess alcohol consumption can lead to stress and depression
Stress can make it difficult to maintain a positive attitude and healthy coping strategies, heightening your feelings of depression. Depression can cause additional stress, mentally and
physically. The two go hand in hand, which is why it is important to manage stress and find ways to cope with and overcome depression.
1. Get plenty of rest

Sleep can’t solve all of your problems, and we don’t suggest sleeping to escape your problems. However, we recognize that sleep is vital for your physical and mental health.
Sleep is an essential function of the body. It allows your body to rest and heal, your mind to recharge, and allows you to wake up feeling ready to take on the day. The average adult requires 7-9 hours of sleep each night. If you’re not getting the sleep you need, it can lead to increased stress in both your brain and body. Allowing your body to get the sleep you need can help you better cope with the stress of life.
To ensure a restful night’s sleep, avoid screens an hour or two before bed, create a calming environment by dimming the lights and keeping your bedroom tidy, and stick to a consistent
sleep schedule.
2. Find ways to relax
Often when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, you may feel out of control. Finding intentional ways to relax can help you better manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life! Relaxing may look like taking a warm bath and reading a good book or it could look like going for a run or working in the garden. Everyone relaxes differently, so find what works for you.
3. Create goals
If you struggle with depression, it can be difficult to get out of bed every day and even harder to look towards the future. Creating goals that you’re excited about reaching can give you something to work towards and look forward to. When creating goals, utilize the SMART goal framework:
Specific - Make your goals specific, so that you know exactly what you’re working towards
Measurable - Ensure your goal is measurable, so you can track your progress and reevaluate when needed
Attainable - Make sure your goal is attainable and can be reasonably accomplished within the timeframe
Relevant - Your goal should align with your lifestyle and values
Time-based - Setting an end-date for your goal will keep you motivated and on track Click here to learn more about setting goals and intentions in your life.
4. Live a healthy lifestyle
Consistent exercise and a healthy diet are just as important for your mental health as they are for your physical health.