"Tell someone how you are feeling. Putting your feelings into words often makes them seem less overwhelming , and a friend can usually reassure you that they, too, sometimes feel depressed and that the mood will always pass.
Take some exercise like jogging, swimming, even a brisk walk. You’ll be surprised what a good antidepressant such physical activity can be.
Plan a treat for yourself, something to look forward to, even if it’s something as simple as renting a video you want to see.
Don’t be tempted to stay home from school or miss an outing with your friends. Keeping up a routine is important. In fact, go out of your way to find company. After all, your own isn’t much fun at the moment.
Concentrate on how things are now, and how to make yourself happier now. Worrying about the past doesn’t help, and the future may be quite different from what you may be imagining.
When sad thoughts come into your mind, make a deliberate effort to push them away. This is difficult when you’re depressed and everything looks bleak, but “thinking sad” just feeds your misery.
If there is something positive you can do about your unhappiness – making up a quarrel with a friend, for example – do it. Positive action always makes you feel better.
See your doctor or a counsellor:
- if you don’t know why you feel depressed
- if you’re sleeping badly because you wake up with negative thoughts
- if you’re losing weight because you’re not eating
- if you’ve been depressed for more than two weeks
- if you have suicidal thoughts
Help is always available; you may just have to ask for it."
