Mental disorders such as depression can make it challenging to get through one’s daily life. Getting out of bed, going to work or meeting friends and family can seem to be a struggle. Here are 6 handy tips for living with depression.

1. Following a Nutritious Diet
Research has found links between diet and mental health and, hence, improving one’s diet can help to prevent and manage mental illness. There are many nutrients that can have an impact on depression. A study conducted in 2012 found that a deficiency of zinc could increase or trigger the symptoms of depression. Therefore, consuming a nutritious well-balanced diet could be key in alleviating one’s symptoms of this condition. One could also consult their doctor about taking vitamins or supplements.

2. Getting Enough Sleep
A research study carried out in 2014 has found that most people with depression have a disturbed sleep cycle. This could be a difficulty in falling asleep or the inability to get out of bed due to feeling tired and exhausted. Proper and good quality sleep could have an impact on one’s mood and keep the symptoms of depression at bay. Therefore, among the 6 tips for living with depression is to ensure that one stops using screens such as television, phones, and computers for at least an hour before going to bed. Taking a warm bath or reading a book could help one fall asleep.

3. Managing Stress Levels
Listed among the 6 tips for living with depression and other similar mental disorders is reducing and managing stress effectively. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the body when one is stressed. High levels of this hormone in the body can cause depression. Hence, using techniques such as meditation, yoga and breathing exercises can help one to manage and reduce stress and, in turn, depressive symptoms.

4. Seeking Support
Commonly listed among the 6 tips for living with depression is building a support network that includes one’s friends and family. Support from loved ones can help to reduce the symptoms of depression. One could also join a depression support group in their area or online.

5. Managing Negative Thoughts
Certain therapies can help change and manage negative thinking. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help one cope with depression. Online courses, apps and self-help books can also help one manage or change negative thoughts.

6. Completing Household Chores
Even if one may not feel like being productive when depressed, a pile of dirty dishes or clothes and an untidy home can make them feel worse. Hence, it is essential that one tries to complete household chores. One can do small tasks over the course of the day. Seeing such progress will help one feel better over time.

By following these 6 tips for living with depression, one should be able to cope with and manage this condition better.