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UAB mental health expert shares ways
to 'beat the blues' |
We all experience 'down days' when we feel blue that we consider to be a normal part of life. But a mental health expert from University of Alabama says it's just as important to address having a bad day at work or a "bad week" as it is to treat any type of depression.
In order to 'beat the blues' , start by paying attention to your feelings says Diane Tucker , Ph.D. , professor of psychology.
Feeling down is a form of depression that can affect our appetite and how well we sleep.
Tucker said in a press release: “One of the first steps to feel better is to reach out to your network of good friends or social contacts. They can help provide a validation of the strongest parts of oneself.”
She adds that it's important to look at how we spend time nourishing ourselves. “When people feel down , they’re less likely to be doing things that help them feel centered and personally efficacious.”
Other ways to stay happy and fend off the 'blues' - Find an enjoyable activity like gardening , painting or reading that provide personal satisfaction
- Prepare a healthy meal for yourself
- Exercise - (Tip: taking a stroll in nature has been shown to boost creativity)
- Journal your feelings daily - focus on things that make you feel happy.
Tucker says we tend to get "stuck" on things that make us unhappy. Keeping a journal can help move us away from that rut.
"People are different in terms of biology and the way our brains work; some people are prone to depression , and others are prone to high blood pressure ,” she said. “If it becomes a chronic problem , most cases can be helped by medication or psychotherapy."
Spending time with friends , sometimes forcing ourselves to exercise , making healthy food choices are all activities that can increase our self-worth and lift depression. Spending time with friends who can provide positive feedback also makes us feel less alone.
