5 Ways To Beat Depression

Saim Cheeda
5 min readJan 3, 2019

Depression is ugly. It’s like a twisting vine that claws through your insides with no intention of ever letting go. Worse yet, depression can hit at the most unlikeliest of times; there’s no warning signal before a bout of depression.

This leaves people in a state of constant worry and on the lookout for any triggers that might exacerbate their condition.

The stress can develop into depression as well, making this a savage loop that can prove impossible to get out of.

But there are many ways you can fight your depressive urges. I lived with depression for years before gaining an understanding of how to beat it.

It was only after I searched for a way out that I unlocked these methods that brought me out of my melancholy.

Here are 5 Ways You Can Kick Depression like a Champ.

Socialize With Family

Those living with depression usually carry anxiety over interacting with people. It was an uphill battle for me to face strangers or new persons I barely knew, and I chose to stay in a reclusive state for fear of socializing.

Staying hidden only increased my despondency and did nothing to make me feel better. What I did was find support with my family. Those closest to you know you best and these are the people you can open yourself up to as well.

Talking with family about your depression will help, and partaking in recreational activities with them will fight off any feelings of solitude.

Get Creative

An unoccupied mind can be a haven for depressive thoughts. Those suffering from depression tend to seal themselves in the dark alone with nothing to occupy them. I used to pick a corner of my room and stare at the empty sealing in the pitch black environment.

What you need to be doing is finding something that brings you energy. Creativity opens you up to new possibilities.

Creative writing is a wonderful way to not only distract your mind, but also to open up a new skill set.

Similarly, taking up creative arts such as sketching or painting is highly beneficial.

You can channel your emotions to your writing or sketching. Once I began imagining new worlds for me to write about, I hardly had any time for depressive thoughts.

Completing your creative pursuits also brings a real sense of accomplishment and favorable feedback will boost your self-esteem.

Join The Gym

Sometimes being physically strong is the gateway to becoming mentally strong as well. Hitting the gym has the benefit of you exerting your stress into a physical capacity.

The frustration you might be feeling can be let out by lifting weights and increasing your adrenaline.

Working out also gives you the opportunity to set goals for yourself. I mapped my progress out over a number of months to document the change in my physique.

The favorable difference between your pre-gym self and your post-workout body will give you the encouragement to continue the routine.

Being at the gym is an excellent way to make friends as well; having your workout be the common ground, finding a gym partner will motivate you to carry on building up fitness.

A social circle at the gym is easy to come by and can turn into genuine friendship as well.

Seek Out Comedy

Normally, indulging in TV or films excessively isn’t the healthy route to take. It prevents you from focusing on your real-life troubles and only delays the process of depression.

However, there’s no strict embargo on movie watching, but these films should be those that bring a smile to your face.

It’s good to take a break on occasion and let a few laughs out. I’m a fan of films that move me emotionally, that make me think outside the realm of normalcy; but I discovered watching comedies whose sole purpose was to lift my spirits were the best thing I could indulge in.

Pray Or Meditate

For those who are religious, it is of utmost importance to remember where your beliefs lie. Religion teaches us this world is temporary and our souls will travel to a better realm one day.

Bearing this in mind, you’ll find a significant amount of weight lifted from your shoulders.

The frustrations of everyday life will seem minuscule when you remind yourself of a larger picture.

Not everyone is religious, but you can still be spiritual. Meditation helps in bringing you one with the concept of peace.

It’s incredibly relaxing to clear your mind for at least five minutes at a stretch and experience the flow of your breaths in conjunction with your body.

You’ll find your thoughts reorganized once you’re done, along with a clearer outlook.

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Whichever method you choose to kick the sting of depression, it’s vital you remember to seek help at every opportunity. To fight off depression you need to be well-prepared and limit activities that trigger these bouts of helplessness.

If you’re feeling trapped or overwhelmed, do not hesitate to consult an expert in this field. In the meantime, remember to conduct your lifestyle in a manner that involves social interaction, lack of isolation and motivation to succeed.

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