Depression is a common mental illness that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It can result from a combination of biological, psychological, social and lifestyle factors.

Although there's no cure for depression, you can improve your mood and feel better by taking care of yourself and coping with your symptoms. These strategies can help you get the support you need to make a full recovery.

Taking Care of Yourself

Self-care for depression is important because it helps you manage your symptoms and improves your health. This includes practicing good hygiene, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.

Taking care of yourself can also help prevent depression relapse. That’s because it can help you recognize early signs of a change in your mood, says SELF contributor Ken Yeager, Ph.D.

He recommends starting with a simple self-care routine like getting up early in the morning or spending ten minutes cleaning up after dinner.

When you take the time to practice self-care, you’re showing yourself that you’re worth caring about. And it can be a great motivator to stay on track with your goals.

Socializing

People who are depressed often have trouble feeling connected to others. They may feel like they aren’t accepted or that others don’t care about them.

However, socializing can help to improve your mood and give you a sense of belonging. It can also boost your brain health and lower your risk of dementia.

Several studies have shown that people who are depressed often have trouble feeling connected. They may feel like they aren’t well accepted or that others don’t care about their problems.

Exercise

Exercise is a key component in any healthy living plan, and it's especially helpful for those with depression. It helps relieve symptoms by releasing feel-good chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin.

It also can help to replace unhealthy coping strategies, such as food or alcohol. And it can strengthen social connections and improve self-esteem.

Yoga, in particular, has been found to be very effective at treating depression. It can help reduce stress, increase flexibility and strengthen muscles.

Talking to Others

Talking to others about depression can be a big help. It can also give you a fresh perspective on how to tackle the negative emotions and fears that are associated with depression.

Many people who experience depression feel isolated and alone. Sharing these thoughts and feelings with another person can ease the isolation and allow you to build new relationships and friendships.

But sometimes, talking to others about depression can be difficult or uncomfortable. If this is the case, it may be helpful to read up on depression or speak with a doctor or therapist who can help you learn more about depression and how to talk about it.

It’s important to remember that depression is a medical condition, not a personal flaw or weakness. It’s usually cured with treatment.

Getting Help

Everyone feels low or sad from time to time, but depression is different. It can cause severe symptoms that interfere with everyday activities and last longer than usual.

Treatment for depression includes medicine, therapy, and self-care. It may take a little trial and error before you find the right combination for you.

Talking therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be helpful for some people with mild to moderate depression. They can help you change negative thinking patterns and improve your coping skills to deal with stressful situations.

Antidepressants can also help with depression, but they work best if used in conjunction with psychotherapy. Some people need to try several types of antidepressants before finding one that works best for them.