Coping

By Nancy Schimelpfening, About.com Guide to Depression

When you're depressed, it can feel like you are barely existing. By getting proper medical treatment and learning better coping skills, however, you can not only live with depression, but live well. There are things you can do to improve the quality of your life.

1. Join a Support Group
2. Make Lifestyle Changes
3. More on Living With Depression

Join a Support Group

Having a caring group of people who can be there to listen to you and support you is perhaps the most important thing you can do, outside of seeking medical treatment, to help you with your depression. There are numerous groups, both online and in your community, dedicated to supporting those with depression and other mental illnesses. One of the best online resources is our own forum here at About.com.

• About.com Depression Forum
• Chat Rooms, Forums and Mailing Lists
• Support Groups

Make Lifestyle Changes

Changes in how you eat, sleep, exercise and live can make you healthier and happier.

• Is Stress Making You Sick?
• How to Cope With Stress
• How to Beat Insomnia
• Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies That Can Cause Depression
• Food and Mood

• Eat Fish for Healthy Baby, Happy Mom
• Food Allergies May Contribute to Depression
• How to Exercise When You Really Don't Feel Like It
• Outdoor Exercise Helps Depression

More on Living With Depression

Take charge by learning strategies that can help you reduce stress in your life and better cope with depression.

• How to Defeat Negative Thinking
• How to Beat Procrastination
• Get a Handle on Your Household Chores

• Learn How to Forgive
• Letting Go Helps You Heal
• A Simple Breathing Exercise to Help You Relax