Lifestyle Choices

Read

There are thousands of self-help books available that actually have some very good advice. While some of the advice may not apply to your situation, most books at least have one nugget of knowledge that can be useful. Visit your local bookstores and libraries, and read as much as you can. The internet also has useful information to offer although care must be exercised as some sources of information may not be reliable. If in doubt, one should check with one’s mental health provider concerning the validity of information obtained from the internet. Some people have a problem when they read self-help books. They form their own opinions which run counter to the body of knowledge established through years of research and testing. They then go to their psychiatrist or counsellor and expound on their theories instead of checking to see if their ideas are accepted by the rest of the mental health community. It is difficult to advise these people as they already have their preconceived ideas. There is nothing wrong with reading but do check with the professionals to make sure that what is written is borne by research evidence. Knowledge is power but a little knowledge may sometimes be dangerous when misperceptions are not corrected.

Physical Exercise

When depression is moderate to severe, the sufferer has no energy nor drive to get up and exercise. With the lifting of depressed mood, the patient can be encouraged to do some regular exercise. Start slow at first; it is not necessary to perform strenuous exercise, but as stamina improves, the patient should be encouraged to intensify his exercise programme. Brisk walking, cycling and swimming are excellent sources of aerobic exercise. Exercise releases endorphins (opiate-like substances produced in the brain), which are in themselves capable of elevating mood.

Others

Look at pictures that remind you of happy times. Listen to relaxation tapes and practice relaxation exercises. Listen to music that gives you hope, sing along on your own or with friends, go for walks in the park or take up a hobby, for example, gardening or rear a pet. Nowadays it is popular to keep pets in the home. It is very therapeutic for the physically as well as psychologically ill to take care of pets.

Support Groups for Patients

A support group can be invaluable in supporting persons recovering from depression. Groups comprising persons suffering from depression or both anxiety and depression can provide support and encouragement. Research has indicated that patients benefit from the advice of fellow sufferers more than from professional staff. Fellow patients speak from personal experience, which makes their inputs so valuable.

Support groups for sufferers of depression are available. Interested persons may contact the Singapore Association for Mental Health which organises various support groups.

Spiritual Pursuits

Religious activities offer considerable solace and comfort to persons facing life stresses. Research suggests that spiritual activities protect a person from developing depression. Such persons need to be regular in prayer and worship and in attending religious observances together with others from the religious circle. In a population survey of anxiety in this country, it was found that those with anxiety were more likely to be followers of Christianity or Buddhism and Taoism compared to the rest of the non-anxious population. The inference is that persons distressed by anxiety symptoms turned to religion for encouragement, strength and support. I believe this also applies to people with depression.

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