How to fight depression: 8 Effective Strategies that Can Help You in Fighting Depression

Dr. Archana Shukla

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Archana Shukla

Psychiatrist

5 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Follow simple methods for fighting and dealing with depression
  • Understanding more about it makes coping with depression easy
  • Recognizing your worth is an effective strategy for fighting depression

Depression is a mood disorder that can result in persistent sadness. You may lose interest in your daily activities too. However, it is important that you accept depression as a medical condition and be aware of it. You may feel that you are alone and so it becomes more important to figure out how to deal with depression.

Symptoms of depression

Fighting depression is a challenge in itself. You need to realize that there are many ways for coping with depression. The first and foremost thing is to understand the symptoms of this condition. Some of the symptoms of depression can be summed up as follows. 

  • Irritable mood
  • Low self-confidence
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Unable to sleep properly
  • Changes in appetite
  • Anxiety attacks
  • Suicidal tendencies
Additional read6 Most Common Types of Mental Illness Symptoms to Watch Out Forfighting depression

How to fight depression?

Here are a few things you can try to fight depression:-

Understand the condition first 

Before learning about how to fight depression, you should be aware of this condition. The more you know about its symptoms and causes, the easier it will be for you to overcome it. This way dealing with depression becomes a lot easier as you are able to identify warning signs. You can avoid triggers that may prompt depressive episodes within you. Similarly, your loved ones also need to be educated so that they are able to lend you the required support.

Maintain a journal to pen down your thoughts 

This is a powerful strategy you can adopt for fighting depression. Writing down your thoughts, problems and feelings help you identify patterns that may cause depression. Your perspective towards the condition can change and you will be able to figure out solutions for yourself. The best time for journaling is before you go to bed. This helps you sleep better without any anxious thoughts interfering with your mood.

Meet a doctor to get the right guidance 

Once you understand the condition, do not delay in meeting a doctor to get the right treatment. Under expert guidance, you need not worry about how to battle depression all by yourself. Your doctor may prescribe medications or suggest certain therapies to you. This is one of the most important strategies for you to follow.

Additional read5 Effective Ways to Cope With Workplace Depression and Help Others Too!how to fight depression

Recognize your self-worth 

If you are wondering how to stop depression, this is an important point to consider. Understand your worth and recognize your efforts. No matter how small or big, all efforts you take deserve to be appreciated and rewarded. Celebrating your success is a powerful weapon that can help you overcome negative thoughts of depression.

Indulge in doing things you enjoy 

Are you feeling fatigued? This is a classic symptom of depression, and you can manage it by focusing on your favorite hobby. Doing something you love is an effective way to avoid negative thoughts. It could be anything from listening to your favorite music to cooking your favorite dishes. These activities help in improving your mood and energizing you. Some activities you can try out include the following. 

  • Painting 
  • Dancing 
  • Biking
  • Playing your favorite instrument
  • Hiking
  • Gardening
  • Photography
  • Travel
  • Reading
how to fight depression

Exercise regularly 

There are many benefits of doing exercises. When you work out, your body releases endorphins that make you feel good. Doing regular exercises rewires your brain. It encourages positive thoughts that can help you manage this condition better.

Set realistic goals 

Setting small goals is the way to go forward. Rather than completing a huge list of tasks, you can manage small tasks with ease. Plan such a to-do list, complete one task at a time, and move to the next. This way you will feel less stress. You will also feel a sense of accomplishment. This can help create a lot of positivity within you.

Avoid negative thoughts 

This is something you should avoid as it may worsen your condition. However, it is easier said than done. During depression, you may tend to imagine the worst. It is important that you don’t allow these negative thoughts to control you. Some ways of overcoming this are by meditating or writing positive affirmations. This way you can tackle depression better.

There are many ways to battle depression. Talk therapy is also an effective technique that helps you replace your negative thoughts with positive ideas. All these approaches help you tackle depression. The love and support that you get from friends and family can also help you in coping with depression. For more help, talk to psychiatrists on Bajaj Finserv Health. Go for an in-person doctor consultation or online doctor appointment and address your mental health without delay. Take proactive steps to learn how to come out of depression and live a happier life.  

Published on 15 Nov 2021Last updated on 12 Apr 2023
  1. https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(18)31948-2/fulltext
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181883/
  3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0005796785900245

Please note that this article is solely meant for informational purposes and Bajaj Finserv Health Limited (“BFHL”) does not shoulder any responsibility of the views/advice/information expressed/given by the writer/reviewer/originator. This article should not be considered as a substitute for any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your trusted physician/qualified healthcare professional to evaluate your medical condition. The above article has been reviewed by a qualified doctor and BFHL is not responsible for any damages for any information or services provided by any third party.

Dr. Archana Shukla

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Archana Shukla

, MBBS 1 , MD - Psychiatry 3

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