This article was co-authored by William Gardner, PsyD and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. William Gardner, Psy.D. is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice located in San Francisco, CA’s financial district. With over 10 years of clinical experience, Dr. Gardner provides individually tailored psychotherapy for adults using cognitive behavioral techniques, to reduce symptoms and improve overall functioning. Dr. Gardner earned his PsyD from Stanford University in 2009, specializing in evidence-based practices. He then completed a post-doc fellowship at Kaiser Permanente.
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When you’re depressed, you might be feeling lethargic, drained, or just generally unhappy. While there’s no instant cure for depression, there are a few things you can do right now to make yourself feel better and improve your mood. Try doing a few of these things every day to cope with your depression and continue on toward the road of recovery.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I start to build good habits?William Gardner, PsyDWilliam Gardner, Psy.D. is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice located in San Francisco, CA’s financial district. With over 10 years of clinical experience, Dr. Gardner provides individually tailored psychotherapy for adults using cognitive behavioral techniques, to reduce symptoms and improve overall functioning. Dr. Gardner earned his PsyD from Stanford University in 2009, specializing in evidence-based practices. He then completed a post-doc fellowship at Kaiser Permanente.
Clinical PsychologistThe trick is getting into a routine. For instance, if you're feeling well one day, you might take a walk. Then, in the future, you might build up a little bit more by taking a longer walk or going for a run. -
QuestionHow can I boost my mood fast?Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MAMichelle Shahbazyan is the Founder of The LA Life Coach, a concierge life, family, and career coaching service based in Los Angeles, California. She has over 10 years of experience with life coaching, consulting, motivational speaking, and matchmaking. She has a BA in Applied Psychology and an MS in Building Construction and Technology Management from Georgia Tech University, and a MA in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate University.
Matchmaker, The LA Life CoachTry doing an activity that you enjoy for some self-care to help you feel better. -
QuestionHow can I be happier naturally?Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MAMichelle Shahbazyan is the Founder of The LA Life Coach, a concierge life, family, and career coaching service based in Los Angeles, California. She has over 10 years of experience with life coaching, consulting, motivational speaking, and matchmaking. She has a BA in Applied Psychology and an MS in Building Construction and Technology Management from Georgia Tech University, and a MA in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate University.
Matchmaker, The LA Life CoachReach out to people that care about you, like family and friends, to talk about how you're feeling.
Warnings
- If you feel like you might harm yourself, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544
- ↑ https://www.hcf.com.au/health-agenda/body-mind/mental-health/downsides-to-always-being-positive
- ↑ Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA. Matchmaker, The LA Life Coach. Expert Interview. 18 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/coping-with-depression.htm
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/teenagers-guide-to-depression.htm
- ↑ Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA. Matchmaker, The LA Life Coach. Expert Interview. 18 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/coping-with-depression.htm
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/depression-tips.html
- ↑ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/depression/self-care/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/coping-with-depression.htm
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/depression-tips.html
- ↑ Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA. Matchmaker, The LA Life Coach. Expert Interview. 18 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/depression/self-care/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC474733/
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/how-to-be-happier/
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mental-health/depression-and-sleep
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/how-to-be-happier/
- ↑ https://www.rchsd.org/health-articles/can-i-get-over-depression-without-taking-medication/
- ↑ https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/can-depression-be-cured-without-medication-1117144
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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