There are many articles about things you can do to improve your depression. But what about staying away from those things that can make it worse?
“There are many things a person who lives with depression needs to be mindful of for better well-being,” according to Deborah Serani, Psy.D, a clinical psychologist and author of the valuable book Living with Depression.
Below, she shared six triggers that can exacerbate depression — and what you can do to minimize or cope with them.
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Dear Margarita,
Thanks for this interesting article. It is really hard for people, especially those who don’t respond well to medication, to cope with depression. Stress reduction is always a good idea–I like the suggestion to write down your worries to get them out of your mind and body.
As for avoiding toxic people-yes, absolutely, but also learning how not to isolate. It’s not always that easy to find the good people to hang out with especially if you have social anxiety. That’s where therapy groups and treatment programs can be very helpful.
Thanks again for writing about depression from such a thoughtful and interesting perspective.
Best wishes, Phyllis Klein
Depression is anger turned inward. When we feel that we don’t have the right to empower ourselves against that which causes stress, disappointment, and other external sources, we often take it out on ourselves.If we can learn that what other people think doesn’t really matter in the over all picture, and when we can learn to let go of our own inner ego, and begin to appreciate the natural wonders of the world around us, depression will slip away on the warm breeze of a beautiful day.I used to suffer a great deal of depression and lack of self worth because of the way I was treated as a child. There is no external source that is healthy that will allow you to find a release from depression…learning to “let go” of what is causing the symptoms, and realize that you are unique…there is no one else like you, and no one has the right to encroach on your mind and make you feel miserable will help you come to grips with the ‘defeatest’ attitude that seems to be at the root of depression.
Sorry but my experience with depression is “different” than yours. There is no simple cure or approach for help. If releasing “anger turned inward” and “letting go” were the answer I’d wouldn’t be writing this.
Glad you feel better, my experience was similiar. The way kids are trained to view themselves can lead to depression, along with poor methods of punishment (spanking). This also ties in the the toxic people point up there. My parents did a horrible job allowing me to be myself or feel comfortable in my own skin. I know the healthiest thing for me is to not speak to them, but every once in awhile, I weaken and call them up. There is always an emotional hangover coming around the corner.
smoke some weed. depressed becomes happy, anxiety becomes carefree and you will want to do something fun which in turn will make you more happy and have less anxiety. weed+laughter= best medicine
and im not some high teenager i have struggled with depression since a kid and will never take anything a doctor gives me to make me happy EVER AGAIN. swed -its the simplest easiest cure with the least negative side effects
Marijuana can worsen depression when you spend all your money on an addiction and have no money left over for food. My friend is struggling with an addiction she can’t afford. Be careful!
Having lived many years with depression in my household – my husband deals with chronic depression, ADHD, and panic/anxiety disorder – I appreciate these thoughts on handling issues that can trigger depression. I would add that it’s very important for each individual, as well as his or her loved ones, to be aware of triggers that specifically apply to them. Depression presents uniquely in each person. For example, in my household we have to very carefully plan certain stressful chores such as bill paying or paperwork for days when it’s sunny (dark days lead to dark moods around here) and we try to follow such tasks with pleeasant, positive acitivities. Though my husband realizes these activities create problems for him, he needs me to remind him, help him plan, and get him over the gloom that can result. For both our sakes (I don’t want to live with his depression any more than he does) it’s worth any effort I might make.
Dear A.Viets,
Your husband is really blessed that you love and support him so much. I suffer from depression and it means so much to me when my husband helps me. So many spouses don’t understand, let alone help their loved one avoid triggers. Just wanted to encourage you to keep it up!