Being a senior can be hard and often lonely and this can lead to depression. Here are some tips to prevent such an issue.
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Surround Yourself With Supportive People
If you suffer from depression, it is extremely important to build a strong network of social connections.
Depending on your situation, you may benefit from focusing on your relationships with your family members and friends. Having people that you love around who can support you is extremely beneficial when it comes to dealing with depression.
It is common for elderly people to suffer with depression and loneliness. It is particularly important for those suffering with senior depression to feel that they have a support network.
Alternatively, you can also look into support groups in your area that are specifically geared toward helping people with depression. Some groups meet in person while others are conducted online. Either way, these types of social connections can be beneficial.
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Minimize Stress
ed to stressful situations causes your body to release a stress-related hormone known as cortisol. This hormone is designed to help your body handle short periods of stress.
When that stress continues over a long period of time, however, it can have a detrimental effect on your health and well-being, oftentimes contributing to depression. Lowering your stress levels can help combat this problem, which in turn can minimize the chances of you getting more depressed.
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Take A Look At Your Sleep Habits
There is a close link between mood disorders and sleep. In 2014, researchers discovered that sleep disturbances were experienced by 80% of people who suffered from major depressive disorders.
Unfortunately, falling asleep can be challenging. When you are suffering from depression, it also can be difficult to get up in the morning because of overwhelming fatigue.
Improving your sleep habits could go a long way toward helping you sleep better at night.
One simple change that you can make is to power down your electronic devices an hour before bedtime. Read a book in a dimly lit setting, take a bath, or do something else that helps you relax.
Reserve your bed for sleeping and intimacy, avoiding activities that could cause stress like working. Ultimately, your bedroom should be completely devoted to relaxing activities, transforming it into a stress-free zone
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Eat Better
Modern research clearly shows how important eating a good diet is to maintaining good mental health. Countless studies have shown a clear link between nutrition and mental illness. So many studies, in fact, that the use of nutrition when treating psychiatric conditions is now commonplace.
A number of different vitamins and nutrients come into play when dealing with depression. For instance, in 2012, researchers found that depression symptoms were exacerbated by zinc deficiencies.
The simple act of eating better could help ease your symptoms. Of course, you should always talk to your doctor before you significantly alter your diet or add supplements to your daily routine.
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Get A Handle On Negative Thinking
When you are depressed, it is easy to fall into the habit of negative thinking. A simple shift in the way that you think can do wonders for elevating your mood.
Therapists often help people overcome negative thinking through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). There are a ton of resources available that you can use for free to help you gain control of your thoughts including apps, online classes, and e-books.
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Stop Procrastinating
Depression can leave you feeling exhausted and can make it challenging to stay focused. As a result, you may find yourself frequently procrastinating, putting off things that need doing.
Unfortunately, this can contribute to the cycle of depression. When you have important things left undone, it can leave you feeling stressed out, guilty, and worried.
Through the use of good time management, you can start tackling your to-do list. Try setting small goals that will help you achieve the most essential items on your list. Each time you accomplish something, it will not only help you overcome procrastination but it also will give you a self-esteem boost that can make you feel great.
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Take On Chores Around The House
When dealing with depression, simple acts like doing housework or managing your finances become extremely challenging.
Unfortunately, if your house gets really messy or if you have a lot of paperwork left undone, it can amplify your bad feelings, making you feel even worse than you did before.
Taking on the chores around your house can give you a sense of accomplishment. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Instead, begin with small projects, working on each one until you complete it. The mere act of doing something can immediately help you feel better. As you accomplish more and more, you can naturally develop a better outlook on life.
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Create A Toolkit For Wellness
A toolkit for wellness is made up of tools that you can use to help yourself feel better when you start to feel really depressed.
Everyone’s toolkit is different. When deciding what to include in yours, think about what makes you happy. Performing activities that you enjoy when you are depressed can help elevate your mood.
These activities can range from snuggling with your cat or dog to playing songs that you love. You may enjoy relaxing in a hot bath or losing yourself in an incredible book.
Write down some activities that you usually enjoy. Then, the next time you find yourself struggling with feelings of depression, pull out your list and choose an activity to try. Oftentimes, this is enough to get you back on track again.