Addiction can develop for a number of reasons. Often, depression can be a factor in both the development of an addiction and patient relapse. That’s why it is critical for individuals to learn how to deal with depression in a healthy way. These suggestions, along with proper treatment, can pave the way to better health.
Establishing a Routine
Both depression and addiction can majorly disrupt your routine. Since they’re mental health disorders, they can change your perception of the world. People suffering from depression might feel like they’re too tired or too unwelcome to participate in social events or even go outside.
By establishing a routine, there are fewer choices each day. Instead of deciding when to get out of bed or go to the gym, you just adhere to the schedule. It might not seem like much, but a routine is a powerful tool for fighting against depression.
Getting Active on a Regular Basis
Another excellent way to deal with depression is by exercising. When you exercise, you stimulate the creation and release of endorphins in the brain. These endorphins can boost mood rapidly.
Exercise can also make it easier to sleep well, which is a problem for some people who experience depression. Some evidence suggests that the circulation boost from exercise can actually reduce feelings of depression.
Exercise doesn’t have to be high intensity, and it doesn’t have to be long in duration. Some options could include:
- Jogging
- Walking outside
- Dancing to music at home
- Stretching, tai chi or yoga
- Swimming
Choosing a Healthy Diet
Hippocrates, the father of medicine, said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Although there’s no replacement for proper medical care, food can still be a big help in the fight against depression.
Certain foods can boost mood. B Vitamins in foods like egg yolks can ward against depression. Sugar, in contrast, can be problematic. Alcohol is also likely to worsen depression.
Get Enough Sleep
Depression can impact sleep patterns and cycles. Some individuals feel tired all the time but suffer from insomnia. Sleeping well can play a big role in feeling better.
Avoiding screens and blue light prior to sleep is a great way to begin sleeping better. It can also help to head to bed at the same time each night and to avoid caffeine as much as possible.
Find Help to Learn How to Deal with Depression
Knowing how to deal with depression and actually overcoming depression are two different things. If you need help to manage your depression, it’s important to take action. Choosing not to do anything about your depression could lead to substance abuse or addiction as a result of self-medication.
If you’re already out of recovery, depression could lead to relapse. Look for treatment centers that acknowledge co-occurring disorders and offer dual diagnosis treatment for lasting sobriety.
The link between depression and addiction is serious. If you’re struggling with either or both, then professional addiction recovery help may be necessary. At 1st Step Behavioral Health in Pompano Beach, Florida, you can confront your addiction once and for all. Call (855) 425-4846 to begin your road to recovery right away.
