By John Thurman M.Div., M.A., LCMHC
Feeling blue? Are you in a minor depression? Want to try and avoid medication?
With the roller coaster financial market, looming lay offs, rocky relationships and high divorces...it is no small matter that 6 million men were diagnosed with depression last year.
While you should get checked out by your doctor, and might look into some short-term therapy here are four things you can do to push back depression.
1. Sweat - P. Murali Doraiswamy, MD, chief of biological psychiatry at Duke University was part of a team that compared aerobic activity (30 min 3x a week, walking, cycling, or using an elliptical) with Zoloft. The studies found exercising "to be equally effective for treating mild to moderate depression."
2. Eat better - More salads, less red meat, fewer spirits and less sugar can impact mood in a positive way. Too much sugar, alcohol, food in general will slow you down.
3. Change the brain chatter - Learn how to challenge irrational thoughts and replace them with the good stuff.
4. Get more sunlight - Early morning light actually helps you feel better.
5. Go to church - Reconnecting spiritually is a proven way to improve you outlook and build hope.
6. Get involved in a small group. A bible study, life group, a task oriented group, or a support group. Being involved with a small group has multiple benefits.
1 comment:
Fabulous list!
A couple of them I need to learn how to apply better, sweat and eating habits.
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