A strategy for helping yourself deal with depression is by patting yourself on the back. It sounds easy, but for the depressed person, it is almost impossible. If you recognize that it is hard to give yourself praise, perhaps it is time to try these tips to help give yourself a round of applause.


You may want to join a support group if you suffer from depression. Being around others and sharing your feelings can help you feel less isolated. You can also share your experiences, feelings, and advice on how to cope with depression with others in the hopes that it will help them feel better.


A simple walk around your block can be a wonderful mood elevator and a way to get those happy endorphins working to your advantage. If you have forgotten the joy of walking, then take your dog (or borrow one from a neighbor) and focus on his joy and antics for a few minutes. Getting out in your neighborhood keeps you in touch with what is going on around you and helps you take the focus off yourself for awhile.


If you have medical depression you should anticipate that many people won't be able to understand it. Most people think that depression is just like being really sad but true sufferers know that this is not the truth. If people say things like "just chin up" to you, try to realize that they mean the best and just ignore it.


The best way to beat depression and kick the blues is to become active and exercise. It is not a quick fix to the problem of depression but it is an ongoing way to make life better and gives you something to look forward too tomorrow. Not only does it release stress, but it makes a person feel better about themselves and gives you some control over your life.


When you are experiencing a moment where the depression is less grave you should take out a notebook, diary or journal. In this book you should write a list of the things, memories, people and places that you love the most. When you are feeling exceptionally sad take out this list and read it.


Depression can come from a variety of places, and you need to figure out what's causing your depression. Once you have established the basis for your feelings, you will be better equipped to deal with the most difficult moments of your condition.


If you are feeling depressed, there is no better way to combat those thoughts than to dance. This will get your body moving and get the blood flowing through your body and to your brain. Although when depressed exercise is not appealing, get up and force yourself to dance. Play happy uplifting music and stretch those muscle and move. Your body, soul, and mind will be happier for it.


Becoming interested in the arts is a great way to help you beat your depression. If you like paintings or sculpture be sure to schedule lots of visits to local museums. Likewise if you like music be sure to visit as many concerts and shows as you are able to.


Avoid going out to social places alone if your depression is related to social things. This will only reinforce in your mind that you are alone or lonely, things that may not even be true. When you do go out make sure it is with a friend or two and keep the evening light.


The best tip anyone could offer to someone who is depressed is to not make any big or rash decisions. Often times when we are depressed we make irrational decisions based on emotions not knowledge which often makes things worse. As such sit idly on those big decisions till you feel better.


When it comes to depression consider seeking the help of professionals in order to help you. This is important to consider because you cannot always control everything in your life and you might not be able to fix everything yourself. Consider visiting a professional in order to get your life straightened out.


Stop all the bad behavior you are participating in if you wish to get over your depression. When you spend time crying, complaining or talking about sad feelings, people in your life will respond with sympathy. While this may feel good, it is only hurting you buy giving you a reward for being depressed. Share your joys and positive things going on in your life instead.


Examine your diet closely. If you are overeating, starving yourself or binge drinking, you will most likely be contributing to your depression. These are all ways people deal with suppressed feelings. It is better to deal with the feelings, whether they are good or bad, when they come up and just get them out of your system for good.


When it comes to dealing with depression, it is important to know what it is that can cause you to feel especially depressed. This is important because this is the first step to overcoming your issues - stopping the feelings from arising and eliminating what is causing you to feel this way.


If you are feeling depressed, one trick to overcoming it is to act as though you are happy. In some cases, you can work from the outside in, and still get the same results. If you start acting happy, it will be a lot harder to be sad. The human brain can not tell the difference between a lie and the truth, so if you need to play a little trick on yourself so be it.


Never give up on trying new ways to help yourself out of depression. Improving yourself takes time and true effort. If you work on these tips, you may find that life can be fulfilling and that there is a lot to look forward to. Just reading this article proves that you are on the right track to feeling better about yourself.