What is Clinical Depression

Although clinical depression is a medically documented disease with roots in your brain’s bio-chemistry, you will still be able to trick it sometimes. This basically means that the power of positive thinking will be an incredibly effective trick, as long as you are able to cut the sad moments before they get too strong.

The difference between clinical depression and normal sadness is like the difference between a stream and a river. If you feel you have been sad for no reason or remained sad for a very long time there is a chance you have clinical depression. Be sure to have this checked out by a professional.

It is important to remember that no one is perfect. Many people who suffer from depression started the downward spiral because of thinking that just because they do not always do or say the right thing, there is something wrong with them. Focus on the qualities about yourself that you and everyone else admires. Yes, focus on your good points and use these to form a positive opinion of your overall self. This simple step can help you on the road to recovery.

Do not depend on herbal alternatives to medication like St. John’s wort.  trials of herbal remedies show that they are far less effective than pharmaceuticals, especially for moderate to severe depression.  If you are wary of using medication to treat your depression, try talk therapy as a first-line treatment.

Depression can have many root causes and you should do your best to try and figure out what is the root of your personal depression. Once you are able to better understand what is causing you to have these feelings, you should be able to handle the hard moments much better.

While living in the past is one of the worst things you can do when it comes to depression living in the future may well be one of the best things you can do. As the old saying goes where there is hope there is life, and a bright future provides hope.

If you are depressed, you should try to work on something productive for at least 30-60 minutes per day.  Doing absolutely nothing all day can cause a vicious cycle where you not only have your “base” depression symptoms, but also depression because you are unable to get anything done.

If your income is low and you are suffering from depression, try and find free or low-cost social services that can help you. For example spent some time to write some blog post based on your interest. By blogging, not only can help you release stress, blogging can make money as well. Local governments offer community counseling services to those with low incomes, especially those people who qualify for Medicaid. These community counseling centers can also provide free samples of medication for those who can’t afford to fill a prescription.

Have realistic expectations. Often depressed people fixate on some unrealistic goal that they believe will cure their depression. For some it is money, for others it may be longing for an idealistic Mr. or Miss. “Right” to spend the rest of their life with. While having a goal is good, keep it realistic. Instead of being unhappy with your current job and longing to win the lottery, take college courses or a vocational program to increase your income potential. If you are lonely, get out and get involved with activities you enjoy. Even if you don’t meet someone, you will have fun; and if you do meet someone, they are much more likely to have similar interests to you  unlike a random stranger in a bar.

Try to find support in as many places as you can. It is especially helpful to find other people who have been successful in holding off their bouts of depression as they will be great sources of knowledge and tips for you as you struggle through it in your own life.