Guest Post: Keeping Depression Away by Felice Ivy

Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash

Depression can affect anyone at any time. It does not discriminate based on age, gender, ethnicity, color, or sexual orientation.  During challenging times like the one we are in, depression becomes more prevalent.  Depression can be caused by numerous factors such as loss, illness, life changes, and isolation. There are ways to combat depression. Below are some tips for combating depression.

1) Your diet plays a part in your mood. Although there is no direct evidence that diet causes or cures depression, studies have shown that eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and foods rich in Omega 3, fatty acids, and B12 can improve your mood. Such foods as salmon, tuna, mackerel, flaxseed, nuts, soybeans, dark green vegetables, and seafood are rich in omega 3. Eating healthy low-fat carbs such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains boost serotonin, which in turn increases the feeling of well-being.

2) Drink less caffeine – Caffeine can increase anxiety and can lead to jitters. Although there is no direct evidence that anxiety causes depression, they often go hand in hand.

3) Don’t ignore your body– If you are suffering from aches and pains or any illness don’t ignore it, consult your doctor.  Untreated pain and illness can lead to depression. 

4) Exercise – In studies, it has been shown that regular exercise elevates mood. You don’t have to be a marathon runner, but any kind of exercise that matches your abilities and tolerance will help keep depression away.

5) Sunlight– Studies have shown that many people suffer from the seasonal affective disorder, which is depression caused by lack of sunlight. If you find yourself suddenly sad during the winter months or can be because you need more light, open your curtains, and as the song says, let the sunshine in.

6) Get creative– Creating something and engaging in a hobby has been shown to elevate mood. Paint, sketch, knit, do creative writing, write thoughts and feelings in a journal, embroider, etc. are all creative ways to combat depression.

7) Relax– Take time for yourself each day to do something good for yourself. Sit in a comfortable chair, close your eyes, and listen to soft music. Meditate. Do a word puzzle, read a magazine or a book, do whatever creates calmness and inner peace for you.

8) Communicate – Pick up the phone and call friends and family. Just a pleasant quick hello can elevate a mood.

9) Learn something– Sharpen your computer skills. Maybe a new language, or a new skill, perhaps history, or a foreign culture, whatever interests you, explore.

10) Sleep– It is essential to get adequate sleep. Lack of sleep makes you cranky, frustrated, and easy to anger. It can also make you feel ill, all of which darken your mood.

11) Maintain treatment– If you are being treated for depression by medication or talk therapy, keep up with it. Suddenly stopping either can crash your mood. 

12) Reach out– If you are suddenly feeling depressed or if your depression worsens, reach out to your healthcare provider, family, or friends immediately.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Treat yourself well. Do things you enjoy. Don’t let negativity weigh you down. Realize that you are precious, worthwhile, and important because you are. Please stay safe and healthy and be kind to yourselves. 

Felice Ivy has worked in healthcare for the past 28 years. She has engaged with seniors and their families in the community as well as in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and Alzheimer’s and frail elderly adult day programs. Today, she is the Director of Community Outreach for the Highfield Gardens Care Center in Great Neck, New York. Felice counsels families on services that the facility can offer them as well as engaging various community settings in health lectures, super bingo, health fairs, and other events. For more information on Highfield Gardens or bookings for health lectures and other events, contact her at 917.572.4743 or feliceivy14@gmail.com

Bonnie S. Gortler

Bonnie Gortler, Consultant, Coach, and Author specializing in Wealth and Well-Being, is a successful stock market expert who has been instrumental in managing multi-million-dollar client portfolios within a top-rated investment firm during her over 35-year corporate career. As the author of “Journey to Wealth,” Bonnie has made it her mission to share the importance of risk management and how to enjoy real financial well-being by applying the technical and mental sides of investing. Bonnie has an M.B.A. and is a certified life coach. It is through her love of coaching, consulting, blogging, and social media that she creates change in the lives of many and inspires people from around the world. Bonnie is fully committed to your personal growth and development as she shares her winning spirit and powerful techniques with you. Visit BonnieGortler.com to gain tips and insights about investing, personal development, and inspiration through her articles on Wealth and Well-Being.
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