Depression can hit us all at one time or another. Sometimes it is a simple thing that we just need to work through, and at other times it requires a bit more help. Regardless of your situation, this article will provide some insight and tips on how you can deal with it.

If you suffer from depression you may want to consider getting a pet. The main part of depression is the feeling of loneliness and caring for a pet can help eliminate those feelings or isolation. Also, studies have shown that pet owners are less likely to feel depressed than people who do not have pets.

If you suffer from depression, it is important that you do not skip meals. Not eating anything can cause you to become irritable and tired, which can, in turn,cause your depression symptoms to flare up. Try to eat 3 meals every day, and space these meals about 4 to 6 hours apart.

Even if you have never felt depressed before in your life, that doesn’t mean that it cannot start quickly and unexpectedly. Depression can have very late stage onsets so don’t write it off even if you are in your forties or fifties. It can also strike both genders in almost equal amounts.

Become more physically active. A healthy body is a necessity for a healthy mind. In addition to the obvious health benefits, exercising releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins. It is these chemicals that give rise to the term “runner’s high”. It is a natural high, one that is safe and even healthy to become addicted to!

Although pushing people away and wanting to be alone is an instinct when you are depressed it is the last thing you want to do. Accept any and all help that comes your way and you will soon find yourself on the pathway to healing. Whatever you do don’t be a loner and isolate yourself.

Laughter really is the best medicine. Research shows that even a smile can raise serotonin levels, the same effect that many antidepressants give. Instead of wallowing in your sadness with depressing music and tear-jerking tragedies, break out the stand-up albums or put on a silly comedy. Even if you don’t feel like it when it starts, you will find yourself smiling and laughing despite yourself by the end!

Try more than one medication. While some people prefer to treat their depression without medication, others give up on medication too soon. Depression is not yet well understood, and everyone’s brain and body chemistry is different. What works for one person may not work for another. Just because your first experience with antidepressants was ineffective, does not mean you will react the same way to a different class of drug.

Being alone is not the solution to beating depression. Many people feel like being by themselves when they are depressed, which just gives them the time to sit and dwell on negative things. If you do not feel like being around a large crowd, have your best friend come over to watch a movie.

If your depression is flaring up during the winter months, you may want to consider taking a vacation to a warm climate. Winter flares up depression symptoms because people are stuck in their house more often. A relaxing vacation on the beach may help you feel better and help your depression.

While it may seem impossible to express your feelings to someone when you are depressed, you could find that crying on someone’s shoulder or explaining your feelings, is the best remedy. When people listen to you, you are able to get your feelings hashed out without having to feel alone. Depression is a condition that is best met with support and company. Being alone only makes it worse.

A great remedy for depression is to find a new interest and pursue it. Get others involved and tackle the obstacles involved and you will find in no time that your depression is making it’s way towards excitement and new feelings of accomplishment. When you fill your heart with new feelings, it is difficult to remain depressed.

Refrain from any negative thoughts, and be sure and write then down when they do come into your mind. In this way, you can re-examine just why you have these thoughts, how they make you feel, and how to substitute these distorted thoughts with positive, happy ones. Only when you understand your negative thought patterns can you rediscover positive thinking.

Over indulging in food may seem to provide some immediate relief but in reality it will only lead to longer term disappointment and worsen depression. What ever is making you depressed will not be remedied by eating so try and find some other way to comfort yourself, one that you will not feel guilty about later.

Dealing with depression, be it for you or a friend or family member, isn’t always easy. If you can use the advice and tips that were given in this article, you should have a better understanding of what you can do and what you should avoid when dealing with it.