Have a Better Life

It’s not always easy to diagnostic a depression. Sometimes, the first to detect some worrying signals, are the relatives or friends. A person that…

• feels sad most of the day or every day
• feels empty, useless and guilty
• cries for everything and for nothing
• loses interest for activities that before gave pleasure to do
• feels anxious
• have difficulty in concentrate and make decisions
• have difficulty in sleeping or feels like sleeping the all day
• feels tired most of the time
• loses or gains weight without explanation
• can have thoughts about death and suicide

…can be developing a depression, therefore it’s important not to ignore these symptoms and see a doctor. With professional help it’s possible to regain the emotions control.

Medication and therapies are the two medical instruments for the treatment of a depression. However, it is also in the patient hands to recover by…

• respecting medical instruction regarding the treatment, never changing it or stop it by self initiative.
• sharing the feeling with others
• getting involved in activities that gives pleasure avoiding isolation
• eating healthy food
• avoiding stimulating drinks and food
• practicing exercise
• keeping sleeping schedules
• avoiding negative thoughts, be tolerant with yourself and believe that you are going to “win” the depression.

I’ve been there…medication helps a lot and we should take advantage of being medicated to find ways out to resolve our problems. Of course we must have a motive, a reason to keep fighting. I had my husband and my son at the time, they were my reason to fight and recover.

If you are depressed and want to share it, drop me a line: soleflor@sapo.pt.