Wellness Center

What to Do When You're Feeling Blue

Everyone feels "down" at some time or other. Short periods of sadness or depression, while discomforting, do not necessarily mean you need medical help.

For those times when you're feeling blue, try a few of these tried-and-true depression-fighting remedies. You'll likely find some that work for you.

1. Get up and get going. Sitting around the house just keeps you depressed. Go to a movie, play cards or checkers with a friend, or visit a museum.


2. Exercise. Ride a bike, take a hike. Skip. If you're super-fit, try exercising to your maximum. Burn off your nervous energy, then...


3. Relax. Soak in a warm bath. Get a facial or massage.


4. Cry. It's a wonderful release.


5. Talk with a good friend. Talking it out can help you analyze the situation. If your emotions are getting the best of you, try to stick to the facts.


6. Get the facts. If you're depressed because of something you assume, or suspect...ask clarifying questions.


7. Express yourself creatively. Color. Draw. Paint pictures. Use lots of colors. Let your inner self out.


8. Journal. Sometimes writing it out can help you sort out your feelings and solve your dilemmas.


9. Sleep in a dark room. Your body produces depression-fighting chemicals in complete darkness.


10. Deal with what you can. Some things are beyond your control. Some expectations are unrealistic. Either way, realize your limitations – and your strengths – and act accordingly.


11. Have fun. Sometimes when you're depressed you can't think of anything "fun." In times like these, think back on what you used to enjoy doing. Make a list. Pick one. Do it!


12. Reach out. Read to children at your community's library or elementary school. Become a Big Brother. Or volunteer at a hospital.


13. Get busy. Clean the garage. Detail the car. Organize your sock drawer. The distraction of a boring, detail-oriented job might be just the break your mind needs.


14. Act happy. Hum. Whistle. Go to a concert in the park. Write a new song. Sing along with your favorite, cheerful CD.


15. Meditate or pray. Seek wisdom outside of yourself.

A Word to the Wise

1. Avoid shopping. You might have fun, but the bills will catch up with you.


2. Put the fork down. Eating to feel better is a fallacy. You'll be more depressed when packing around extra pounds.


3. Delay major decisions. If possible, wait until you're feeling better before you decide to get a tattoo or paint your house purple.


4. Keep in touch. Don't pull away from your friends. You need their support. Even when you're stressed or depressed, treat your friends respectfully.


5. Know when to seek professional help.

Source:

1. National Institutes of Health. National Institutes on Aging. Depression: Don’t let the blues hang around.

2. Tkac D, editor. The Doctors Book of Home Remedies. Prevention Magazine Health Books. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis of specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt professional medical attention if you have a particular concern about your health or specific symptoms. Wellsource, Inc. is not liable for any health consequences resulting from your use of this site.