Depression is often a sign that something is wrong in our lives. This being the case it can also be a call to action, which for one reason or another you are unable or unwilling to take.

Gaining perspective and reducing stress and anxiety can put you in a better and more resourceful state to resolve the problem(s) in your life that previously may have seemed overwhelming.

Managing your life by utilising the following quick tips :-

1) Talk to a friend, family member or other help body about how you feel and the problems in your life.

2) Don't be afraid to let others know that you are finding things difficult at the moment. Keeping matters to yourself only adds to your burden.

3) Tell people how they can help you. Often people will give help but it is not what you really need. Tell them and their offers of assistance will be more appropriate.

4) It is best not to make life-changing decisions such as changing jobs or moving home while you are feeling depressed. If you can, put them off... unless delaying them adds to your depression. Of course for some people moving jobs or home may be the resolution to the depression.

5) If you have any anger, bitterness, resentment or frustration towards anyone, the only person that these emotions are hurting is you. If you can, decide to let them go.

6) Engage others in conversation. Shop assistants, bank clerks, meter readers are all human and it can make their day if you ask how they are and it will also help you.

7) Find some volunteer work to do. It does not have to be much. It can be just helping the elderly neighbour mow their lawn or giving them some plants for their garden. Their happiness and joy at receiving your help will come back to you.

8) Wear brighter clothes. Surround yourself with vibrant colours. Colour has the power to change our moods so use them.

9) Keep a diary of how you have felt each day and particularly write down your successes no matter how minor they might seem to be.

10) Forgive yourself. Don't beat yourself up with negative self talk or put yourself down in front of others. Remember that you are doing the best you can with what you have.

11) Use humour in a positive way. Don't put yourself or others down through humour. Use humour to help and not to be an underhand way to harm.

12) Allow yourself to cry. Give yourself permission to have a good cry. It will release much more than you realise.

13) Draw up a plan of action and cross off each action point as you do it. It will give you a great feeling of getting something and help your motivation.

14) Get into new healthy habits and routines. Decide which days to exercise on or do some other activity and stick to it.

15) Introduce something new into your life. This might be a new hobby or joining an evening class to learn a new skill.

16) When someone praises you or gives you a compliment just say 'thank you'. You will then allow your self esteem to accept a useful boost.

17) Listen to some uplifting music when you want to feel more energetic and choose some relaxing music when you want to unwind.

18) Take a break. Get away from your home even if it is for a few days. You can make an excuse to visit a distant friend if you cannot afford to pay for accommodation.

19) Sing or hum a favourite song of yours. Do it out loud when you are doing some activity.

20) Tidy one part of your home that has been neglected for some time like that draw fill of papers of that cupboard.

21) Pull the curtains back more and clean your windows to allow as much light as possible into your home.

These tips can help you feel better and more in control.

For anything other than mild temporary depression please seek your doctor's advice.

Steven A. Harold
Clinical Hypnotherapist
Resolve Depression with Hypnosis Cds