Depression is not a fun thing to deal with, and anyone that has suffered it for any extended period of time knows that it can drain your energy, ruin your life, and make you wish you were all but dead. In fact, depression left unchecked can lead to suicide attempt, or worse.

Depression is not something to ignore, but for the person suffering it can feel difficult to even get up and get on the phone with the doctor to schedule an appointment. There are things that you can do to battle your depression, but it starts with making that call. It might help get you to call knowing that depression in older age can also increase your risk of dementia.

Call Your Doctor

The first step in finding healing from depression is to talking to your doctor. They may be able to help you pinpoint what is causing your depression, which is a good first step in dealing with it. Sometimes knowing the cause is the first step to healing because you know where to start making changes.

Your doctor can also prescribe you medication that will help you. Depression is caused by an imbalance in how your brain works, to put it in layman’s terms. Medication can help make things run more smoothly.

Start Exercising

Cardio exercise, the aerobics and running, aid in the release of endorphins in your brain. These are feel good hormones, which do just what they say. They help lift your mood and give you a natural high. Regular fitness can help increase your happiness.

Change Your Diet

The foods you eat can also help make your depression worse, or they can help you be in a better mood. Eating foods filled with sugar can cause you to crash out, and it can just put your mood in a funk.

Pick healthy foods that give you energy and vitamins. Fruits and vegetables are the best choices. Eating fruits and berries gives your body the antioxidants that you need in order to clean toxins out of your system as well, which can help with your brain health and fight depression and dementia as well.

Do Positive Things

Having positive outlets is another way to make sure that you keep your depression and moods in check. Come up with hobbies that make you happy and enjoy life. That could be anything from your fitness routine to taking up a hobby like knitting or doing a new sport, like bowling.

If your doctor does prescribe you medications, make sure that you take them as prescribed, and don’t quit without talking to your doctor first. Doing so could lead to thoughts of suicide. Think about your health, and talk to your doctor to get help with depression, no matter how long you’ve been suffering.