Depression is not like everyday sadness. It is a long lasting state usually characterized by loss of appetite and interest in doing anything. Mood disorders are a common part of depression. The normal sadness when one is feeling blue vanishes with the time but depression is harder to get rid of. Depression is said to be fatal as it results in hypertension and several heart diseases which ultimately result in severe damage to human heart and even death of individual if it is left untreated. In this article we will see: How to motivate yourself when you’re depressed.

Read Also: Ways to decrease depression among teenagers

Depression isn’t a straightforward response to a bad situation; depression just is, like the weather. -Stephen Fry

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

The main causes of depression include environmental factors like drug usage, restlessness, stress disorders often arising due to hormone imbalances, side effects of some medicines, long term illness especially cancers etc. Whatever is the cause of depression, the result is horrible. The person has to face lack of interest and loss of purpose in his life. Insomnia, loss of appetite, unusual pain in body, headache and a lower self-esteem are common symptoms of depression.

Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say “My tooth is aching” than to say “My heart is broken.” -C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

Read Also: How to Balance Work and Studies?

TIPS ABOUT HOW TO MOTIVATE YOURSELF WHEN YOU FEEL DEPRESS

Every individual is responsible for whatever he is thinking and doing. He is never reluctant to be depressed. The negative thoughts arising in his mind leads him to the blind and dark corners of depression. The first and foremost task a person has to do to come out of mental pain and depression is to identify the signs and symptoms he is facing are leading him towards depression. Diagnosis of the illness is a half cure. Here are few tips about how to motivate yourself when you are depressed:

LOOK FOR POSITIVITY AND OPTIMISM

Then what should you have to do to motivate yourself when you are depressed? Whenever you are feeling yourself trapped in the cave of depression, look for the light of positivity around you. Focus on optimism rather than pessimism. Try to motivate yourself focusing on the good things that had happened with you in the past or the blessings you have right now. Neglect the thoughts about the things and blessings you do not have. A small positive thought in the morning can change your entire day and perhaps your entire life.

ENGAGE YOURSELF IN HOBBIES

Indulging in healthy activities can make you come out of depression very easily. Getting yourself relaxed and not giving yourself enough time to think about any depressed thought is one of the achievement when you are trying to come out of depression. Gardening, engaging yourself with pet animals, cooking and baking are few of healthy hobbies you can adopt to cope with depression.

Read Also: How can fitness help you to avoid anxiety?

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS AND WRITERS

Motivate yourself to listen to motivational speakers or reading when you are depressed. Reading self-help books are great weapon against the powerful enemy of depression. Engage yourself in the activities the writers and speakers are telling. Few of the great books which may help you to prevent yourself getting depressed are The seven habits of highly effective people by Stephen R. Covey, The power of now by Eckhart Tolle, The power of sub-conscious mind by Dr. Joseph Murphy.

Read also: What is the purpose of life?

FOLLOWING A PROPER ROUTINE

Getting eight hours sleep a day and having proper diet can also aid to overcome depression. Focus on a healthy meal including the foods you like in order to elevate your mood. Including dark chocolate in diet in two twenty-four hour periods reduce 70% odds of reporting depressive symptoms.

SOCIALIZE WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE

Gathering with positive vibe people help against getting depress. Ask help from professionals who know about how to treat depressing thoughts. Have conversation with your family and friends.

You are the warrior of your life to cope with depression using the sword of your skills.

Read Also: What should I do if I feel tired, sleepy, lack of motivation and feeling sad and lonely?