Can Depression Be Prevented? 5 Pointers to Fight Depression

Although depression is generally not a preventable condition, lifestyle can play a part in its development. Making changes now can offer long-term benefits to your mental health. Here are some helpful hints that may assist you in keeping depression at bay:

• Stay Active: Not only is physical activity good for your physical health, but it can also improve depression, anxiety, and overall mood. And that doesn’t mean that you have to run marathons – engaging in almost any type of physical activity for at least 30 minutes, three to five times a week, is enough to serve the purpose.
• Stay Connected: Maintaining a social life helps to keep the mind occupied and fulfilled. Social support is also important during life’s many challenges, particularly as people age. Those who suffer from depression have the tendency to withdraw from friendships and relationships, causing loneliness and isolation. Taking steps to stay involved with the people in your life – and reaching out to meet new ones – can help to prevent this from happening.
• Find an Outlet: Sometimes the support of a friend or family member is not enough. Preventative therapy, whether you choose to see a therapist one-on-one, in a support group, or even via online counseling, can give you unbiased insight into your situation, and help you through it. Similarly, finding an activity that you can enjoy without the help of others, such as yoga, journaling, or reading, can help to relieve stress and serve as a distraction.
• Care for Your Physical Health: Being in poor physical health can undoubtedly have a negative effect on your mental wellbeing. Getting adequate sleep, regular physical exams, eating a healthful diet, and drinking alcohol in moderation are important preventative steps for most health conditions, depression included.
• Plan Ahead: Being prepared for life changes can help to create a sense of order and ease your mind about the uncertainties of the future. Though it is impossible to predict the outcome of every situation you encounter, planning out how you will handle stress triggers, if they arise, will reduce anxiety and allow you to seek preventative support.

[image credit: Synamingirl ]