TOP 10 WAYS TO COMBAT DEPRESSION RELAPSE

Depression is an age old affliction that have gripped millions of people, both ordinary and extraordinary personalities the world over since time immemorial. It makes me wonder if back in the day when man's priority was the hunt, finding water, keeping him/herself safe and the family, and surviving winter, it was ever a problem. Regardless, depression is a serious condition, an illness that has befallen the state of mind, brought about by compounding events in a person's (dog or cat if you wish to include our furry friends) life. It doesn't happen overnight, although, an event can of course trigger the "downward spiral" as I call my own very personal "downward spiral." In reality, if one wishes to bring in the health detectives in the picture to investigate, one finds out that it is partly related to work-related stress (or school related stress for students), poor nutrition, poor sleep habits, environmental triggers (family situation, sudden departure of friends/family, a sudden change of environment, etc. -for more of this read the ABCDX theory and stress model). Once you have been through it, there is no mistaking, you shall be more prone to a relapse. Here are some tips on preventing any relapses from coming back:

10) Maintain regular contact with your primary provider. Other than family, managing depression, even after you have been treated requires follow up care. It is best to keep professional support always in the picture of maintaining your newfound state of well being. They are better able to catch symptoms of relapsing depressive states.

9) Keep an active lifestyle. Endorphins produced in regular exercise help produce natural happy hormones.

8) Treat yourself to a vacation. Go out and get some sunshine if it is not plenty where you live. While working and making money is good, you cannot take it to your grave. Take time to enjoy your self and enjoy life.

7) Keep in touch with friends.

6) Keep in touch with family.

5) Meditate. Light a candle, turn out the lights, turn off the cellphone, turn off television or radio. The time you make to listen to your body, just taking in slow deep breaths is a very relaxing trigger. It is trigger to your brain that you are making time for yourself.

4) Maintain a healthy diet with enough caloric intake, essential amino acid supplementation, adequate vitamin intake. I am not anti-vegan but there are essential proteins you can only get from animal protein, so seek the advice of a professional dietician to plan for proper replacements if you are vegan.

3)Pamper yourself. Get your hair done. Get your nails done. Get a massage or a facial. Whatever makes you feel like a princess (if you can afford it of course, otherwise, just pamper yourself with a hot pint of milk bath =)

2) Renew old hobbies or old interests. If you used to love painting, make time to revisit that interest. Pursue the things you are passionate about.

1) Love yourself. An occasional splurge is fine as long as it is within your budget. Most of all, genuinely, love yourself.

Live happy!