8 Tips to Help You Deal With Depression

woman with red hair looking out the window, depressed

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Everything feels more challenging when you're dealing with depression. Going to work, socializing with friends, or even just getting out of bed can feel like a struggle.

But there are some things you can do to cope with your depression symptoms and improve your quality of life. Read ahead for some tips to help alleviate symptoms.

Build a Support Network

One of the most important things you can do to help yourself with depression—other than medication and therapy—is to develop strong social support.

For some, this may mean forging stronger ties with friends or family. Knowing you can count on supportive loved ones to help can go a long way toward improving your depression.

For others, a depression support group can be key. It may involve a community group that meets in your area or you might find an online support group that meets your needs. 

Reduce Your Stress

When you're under stress, your body produces more of a hormone called cortisol. In the short-term, this is a good thing because it helps you gear up to cope with whatever is causing the stress in your life.

Over the long run, however, it can cause many problems for you, including depression. The more you use techniques to reduce stress, the better because it will reduce your risk of becoming depressed.

Improve Your Sleep Hygiene

Sleep and mood are intimately related. A 2014 study found that 80% of people with major depressive disorder experience sleep disturbances.

But, you might feel like you just can't fall asleep. Or perhaps you struggle to get out of bed because you feel exhausted all the time.

Good sleep hygiene could be key to improving the quality and quantity of your sleep.

Turn off electronics at least an hour before you go to bed. Use dim light to read a book or engage in another relaxing activity.

Only use your bed for sleep and sexual activity. Doing work in bed, or even in your bedroom, can cause you to associate your bed with stress, rather than relaxation. 

Improve Your Eating Habits

Research continues to find clear links between diet and mental health. In fact, there have been so many studies that have shown improving nutrition can prevent and treat mental illness that nutritional psychiatry is becoming mainstream. 

There are many brain-essential nutrients that can affect depression. For example, a 2012 study found that zinc deficiency is associated with symptoms of depression. Improving your diet could be key to reducing your symptoms.

But before you make any major changes to your diet or begin taking vitamins or supplements, talk with your physician. 

Learn How to Stop Negative Thoughts

Depression doesn't just make you feel bad, it can also cause you to think more negatively. Changing those negative thoughts, however, can improve your mood. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that works to alter common patterns of negative thinking called cognitive distortions in order to eliminate depression. There are also many self-help books, apps, and online courses that can help you learn how to change your unhealthy thinking patterns. 

Beat Procrastination

The symptoms of depression, such as fatigue and difficulty concentrating, make procrastination tempting.

Putting things off fuels depression. It can lead to increased guilt, worry, and stress.

It's important to set deadlines and manage your time well. Establish short-term goals and work hard to get the most important things done first. Each task you successfully complete will help you break through the habit of procrastination.

Get a Handle on Your Household Chores

Depression can make it difficult to complete household chores, such as doing the dishes or paying bills. 

But a pile of paperwork, ​a stack of dirty dishes, and a floor covered in dirty clothes will only magnify your feelings of stress.

Take control of your daily chores. Start small and work on one project at a time. Getting up and moving can help you start to feel better in itself. But, seeing your progress in the home can be key to helping you feel better. 

Create a Wellness Toolbox

A wellness toolbox is a set of tools and actvities that you can use to help soothe yourself when you are feeling down.

The tools you find most helpful might not work for someone else so it's important to carefully consider what things can help you feel your best.

What to Add to Your Wellness Toolbox

Think of things you like to do when you're happy. Then, when you're feeling down, try one of those activities.

Here are some things you might include in your wellness toolbox:

  • Cuddle your pet
  • Listen to your favorite music
  • Take a warm bath
  • Read a book
  • Go for a walk
  • Call a loved one
  • Take yourself out on a date
  • Watch a movie or tv series
  • Grab one of your favorite cozy blankets and relax
  • Write your thoughts down in a journal
  • Try a light therapy lamp
7 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Additional Reading

By Nancy Schimelpfening
Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be.