How to Fight Depression: Daily Habits Can Make All the Difference

Depression is an illness, and like any illness, it attacks mind, body, and spirit. In order to fight depression, you need to heal the whole person. Your doctor can help you fight depression with medication. Your therapist can help you by offering empathy and new ways of thinking about old problems. What can you do to help yourself?

You may believe that you're powerless to fight depression. You're not. I've struggled with depression for most of my life. Doctors and therapists have been essential allies, but all of the pills and all of the talk in the world would not have been enough if I hadn't done my part. I've had to learn how to fight depression day by day. When the latest meds haven't kicked in yet and the next therapy appointment is a whole week away, I have to find my own path to wellness.

The following suggestions are ways to fight depression. They've worked for me. They may or may not work for you. This article is not intended as medical advice. If you're depressed, seek help from a competent mental health professional. Your primary physician can assist you with referrals.

How to fight depression, step 1: Create a "wellness checklist."

Mine is saved on the hard drive. When I get stuck and forget how to fight depression, or start to doubt my ability to fight depression, my checklist is ready and waiting. I change it according to my current challenges.

A wellness checklist should address the needs of mind, body, and spirit by providing realistic daily goals. It's meant to encourage you as you fight depression, not overwhelm you, so keep it simple. Stick to a single page. Use a "friendly" font in an easy-to-read size. If black and white is too stark, try a font in a soothing color. Print a new copy of the list each day.