7 Ways to Manage Mild Depression Associated with Hypothyroidism

Mild depression associated with hypothyroidism may be managed without additional drugs. This type of depression is symptomatic, not a condition, so tends to be intermittent rather than persistent. Where clinical depression can be debilitating and requires specific medical treatments, symptomatic depression is less severe and may be treated without medication.

The following ideas to help you manage your mild depression may seem overly simple or foolish, but you should try them before dismissing them.

1) Tell your spouse you are feeling depressed and therefore he or she should give you a present. You could ask for jewelry, gift certificates to a spa, or flowers. Tickets to a sporting event, new tools, music CDs or DVDs also make wonderful gifts.

This treatment gives you a sense of taking control. You stated the problem and put forth a solution. This alone will make you feel better.

A pretty necklace can be the catalyst you need to attend a social event, so you can show it off. A new drill may be just the thing to motivate you into building that bookcase. Action is an excellent way to dispel mild depression.

2) Go to the craft store and shop for a new hobby such as flower arranging, painting, needlework, picture framing, any activity that requires concentration. Hobbies are excellent stress relievers, and mild depression associated with hypothyroidism can be stress related. Hormonal fluctuations can induce anxiety, which in turn causes stress. Relieving that stress relieves the depression.

3) Put on your favorite music and dance. This is excellent advice even if you are not feeling depressed. It's a great way to exercise, reduce stress, and stimulate the muscles and the mind. Fatigue is as much a part of hypothyroidism as depression; this exercise addresses both.

4) Sit in front of a mirror, make yourself comfortable, and have a long talk with yourself. Tell yourself what you think about the upcoming election, the local sports teams, the newscaster you watch every evening. Be as amusing or serious as you like.