We all have ups and downs in our lives, and we will all have sadness at various times. Being “down in the dumps” occasionally is normal and part of being a human.
Continued, long-term sadness is not normal, though millions of people in the U. S. suffer from it. This is called major depression and it is very real and a serious condition. Suffering from depression can increase your risk of suicide and cause other health problems.
As your healthcare partners, Brigham City Community Hospital offers this simple guide to avoiding depression altogether. Experts recommend that we stay healthy, exercise and keep social connections alive and well to avoid depression. We understand that this is easier said than done, but here are a few tips you may not have thought of to help you stay happy:
Trim your TV time: A study by National Geographic found that the happiest people watch less than one hour of television each day. You can take the National Geographic test, and reference AARP magazine’s nine other ways to stay happy.
Volunteer: Reaching out to others can actually help YOU more than them. Some studies have pointed to helping others as a way to avoid depression – especially in your later years. We have a robust and active volunteer force at our hospital; click here to learn more about that.
Have an attitude of gratitude: A 2005 study published in the journal American Psychologist found that people who performed daily gratitude exercises were happier. So how can you do that? Each day make a list of three things you are thankful for. Each morning try to think of someone who has brought something of value into your life. Dig deep and think back. Try not to repeat a person for an extended period of time. Keep a journal of good things that have happened to you in life. This might sound simple and maybe even silly, but studies say it works.
If you think you, or a loved one may be suffering from major depression, speak with your family physician.