Excerpted from "A Year of Health Hints"
365 Practical Ways to Feel Better and Live Longer
Life changes, such as the birth of a baby, divorce, death of a
loved one, or loss of a job can and do leave people depressed. So
can worrying about financial problems or illness. But sometimes
you may feel empty and depressed for no apparent reason. Symptoms
of depression include:
Persistent
feelings of sadness or emptiness
Feelings of
helplessness, hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness
Loss of interest
in pleasurable activities, including sex
Sleep disturbances
Loss of energy or
enthusiasm
Difficulty in
concentrating or making decisions
Ongoing physical
symptoms, such as headaches or digestive disorders, that don't
respond to
treatment
To overcome mild, hard-to-explain depression, try these
approaches.
Substitute a
positive thought for every negative thought that pops into your
head.
Associate with
congenial people, not negative people. They'll lift your morale.
To focus your
attention away from yourself, do something to help someone else.
Get some physical
exercise every day, even if it's just taking the dog for a walk.
If you can
do something more
exhilarating, like biking, playing tennis, or chopping firewood,
that's even better.
Do something
different. Walk or drive to someplace new, or try a new
restaurant.
Challenge yourself
with a new project. It doesn't have to be difficult, but it
should be enjoyable.
If you feel depressed for three weeks or longer, see a doctor.
There may be a physical cause for the way you feel. Also, check
with your doctor or pharmacist about any medication you may be
taking. Depression is sometimes a side effect of a drug.