Suffering with mental health issues is more than simply feeling down and tearful once in a while. Depression is not wanting to be alone, yet not wanting anyone around you. It’s wanting to get up and achieve something, but being unable to pick yourself out of bed and get the motivation to do so. It’s feeling like you’re not worth anything and for some, that you’d be better off dead. Nobody should ever feel like this, but did you know that 1 in 6 adults suffer with depression in any given week? Did you also know that 1 in 5 of those adults have considered taking their own life because of it? Which is why it’s of utmost importance to get in touch with a Macon psychiatrist or another provider in your area.

Your first port of call when it comes to depression should ALWAYS be your GP. They will be able to prescribe many different treatments and work closely with you on your journey to beating your mental illness. However, there are things that you could be doing for yourself at home too, so check out these tips on how you can fight mental health at home.

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Sort out your finances

One of the biggest reasons that people begin suffering with depression is because they’re struggling to keep on top of their finances. With the economy and the way it has been over the last few decades, it’s understandable that some people struggle with money, especially if they’re not earning enough to make ends meet. There are many ways in which you can approach your finances, but getting rid of debt should be the first thing to concentrate on. Perhaps you’ve got a few unpaid bills that are lurking over your shoulders? Consider borrowing some money so that you’re able to get yourself back on your feet and work your way out of this mess. Read more here about how you can get yourself short term loans without massive interest charges or hidden costs.

Eat healthier

Did you know that the food you’re putting into your body makes a massive difference to how your brain functions? If you’re constantly gorging on junk food, it will cause your brain to have a chemical imbalance, which is what’s making you feel depressed – or at least a factor of it anyway. Take a look at these tips on how you can eat healthier and hopefully help your brain recover:

  • Eat smaller plates and chew each mouthful plenty of times. It takes a little while for your brain and stomach to communicate, and using this technique means you’re less likely to overeat.
  • Swap your favourite unhealthy snacks for healthier alternatives. You can now get crisps that are vegetable based, and snack bars which hold plenty of nutritional value, rather than eating a chocolate bar.
  • When you think you’re hungry, drink a glass of water first. The body often mistakes hunger for thirst. If you’re still hungry ten minutes after drinking some water, then your body is actually hungry. More often than not, your body will in fact, be thirsty.
  • Premake meals so that when you can’t be bothered to cook, you know you’ve got healthy meals ready to warm through.

Cut out poisonous people

Sometimes there are people in your life that simply aren’t doing your mental health any favours. Perhaps it’s a ‘friend’ or family member that’s constantly putting your down, or an unfair colleague that you dread seeing at work. It’s important for your mental health to cut these people out as much as possible if not completely, so that you’re able to avoid any negative comments that are going to damage your mental health further. Alternatively, you could consider getting yourself a new job so that you’re able to meet and work with much nicer people than you currently do.

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Get some exercise

Exercise is an essential part of life that helps keep our bodies and muscles fit and healthy. Did you know that exercise also does wonders for the brain too? When you exercise, your body releases a hormone called endorphins, which in turn make you feel happy. Also, when you begin to see changes in your body and a fitter version of yourself emerging, you’re bound to feel happier overall about who you are and your image.

Sleep soundly

Sleep is one of the most important things that our bodies need aside from food and water. While we understand that when you’re struggling with mental health it can be difficult to sleep, it’s important to try your best to get as much as possible to help your brain recover. Here’s some tips to help drift off into a natural sleep:

  • Listen to sleep hypnosis tapes to help your mind wind down and drift off naturally.
  • Write down your worries before bed so that you can ‘get them off your mind’ for a short time.
  • Take a hot bath or shower before bed to help relax your muscles.
  • Don’t leave any unfinished business that could keep you lying awake. Even if it’s something as simple as taking the bins out, try and get it done before bedtime.

Have ‘me’ time

Finally, when you’re suffering with depression, it’s important to take time for yourself every once in a while. Treat yourself to a pampering session at home with a glass of your favourite wine, read a good book, and generally relax. A mind that’s constantly on the go and worrying about a million and one things isn’t going to function as well in day to day life. Give yourself a chance to relax in every way possible and you’ll feel so much better for it!