What To Do When You Feel Depressed

Depression can feel like a real person, a tangible thing that you can almost touch. Depression and sadness are emotions. Sometimes, when you feel depressed, these feelings are due to circumstances, negative thoughts and beliefs, trauma, grief and loss, or a chemical imbalance.

This article gives suggestions on what to do when you feel depressed. If you are depressed and are having suicidal thoughts or are self-harming, seek help immediately.

When You Feel Depressed

Sometimes, a lifestyle tweak or new habit can get you back on track. The following are several suggestions for what to do when you feel depressed.

Get outdoors

A breath of fresh air can lift your mood. Try to spend a few minutes outside daily. Research shows that greener spaces can lower cortisol and decrease stress. Make walks to the park or hikes at a nearby trail part of your routine.

Call a friend

When something bothers you, reach out to a trusted friend to discuss your emotions. Often, we bury our feelings. Eventually, these hidden feelings emerge in other ways, perhaps through depression, anxiety, or physical conditions. Engage with friends when you feel down, either through phone calls or in person.

Exercise

Exercise can lift mood, reduce blood pressure, lower heart rate, and strengthen the heart, lungs, muscles, and bones. Aim for 30 minutes a few days a week. Even a brisk 10-minute walk will help boost your mood if you are new to it.

Do something for someone else

Depression can make us turn our focus inward. To battle this, do something for someone else. Volunteer in the community, serve in the church, write a get-well card to a friend, or visit people in the hospital or local nursing homes. You can also find volunteer opportunities in your local community online.

Eat a healthy and balanced meal

Preservatives and added chemicals have been linked to processed food, according to studies. Aim to eat as many balanced and healthy meals as you can. These meals should include lean protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.

Get creative

Daily schedules can leave little time for creative pursuits, yet our minds yearn for creativity. Get creative in your endeavors. Ask yourself what hobbies and interests you love and get back to doing those things that bring your heart joy. Schedule them into your calendar just like you do for an important appointment. Your mental health will thank you.

Spend time with God

When the spirit, mind, and body are out of sync, it can leave you feeling down. The soul was created to commune with God. Spend time in His Word, study daily devotionals, pray, and worship Him. You will notice that the more time you give back to God, the more time and joy He gives to you.

Decide what activities you want to do when you feel depressed and create a routine with consistency. The more you practice these tips, the more you will reduce depression symptoms.

Seek Help From Christian Counseling in Los Angeles

After reading through the suggestions for what to do when you feel depressed, you now have a list of practical ways to alleviate those feelings of depression and sadness. However, if you need extra support, seek help from a Christian counselor. Our team can connect you to a counselor right away and schedule a session either in person or virtually.

Give us a call today to get started.