Tips
As noted, the causes of Depressive Disorder are found in biological and psychosocial factors, making it difficult to specify the weight that each of these can have in each person.
However, it is of significant importance to know those factors that protect us from Depression, over which we can have some control and that can help us prevent it.
Things that help
Stress management
Stress can be normal in the face of some challenging situations in a person’s life. However, when this stress continues over time it becomes negative and can have a detrimental impact on a person’s health, often resulting in depression. It is important to have strategies for managing these situations and avoid long termstress.
Social relationships and intimate or friendly bonds
Having a social group, or more intimate connections, is positive as it helps someonepart of a group, feel listened to, respected, valued, loved andhelped, and provides the opportunity to reciprocate all this.
Avoiding violent situations
Experiencing situations of violence, physical or psychological, carries a high burden of stress, which can either occur in a short, intense period of time or longer term
In both situations, the person’s affective state may be affected. When violence occurs, it can lead, among other consequences, to significant insecurity, to diminish self-esteem and to break social ties.
Avoiding violence and protecting yourself to the greatest extent possible is a factor in preventing depression..
Meaningful work and activities
Being satisfied with the work or activities that are carried out, finding in them a value consistent with your principles,and beyond material benefit, helps to feel happier with oneself.
Keeping a routine and regular eating habits
Maintaining a routine, including sleep schedules, helps keep your body and mind rested. Eating habits influence our mood, and it is proven that some foods help emotional well-being while others impact it.
Physical activity
It is known that physical exercise involves, among other effects, the secretion of chemicals such as endorphins, which cause a sense of well-being in the body. Added to this are the benefits it causes in people’s own self-perception, helping them feel better about themselves and their body.
Avoid abusive consumption of alcohol and others intoxicants
Abusive consumption of alcohol (which is a depressing substance) is a risk factor for depression, both because of its biological effect on the body and the impact of the problems it can cause. Consumption of other toxic substances is also a risk factor for depression.
Changes in routine and pleasurable activities
Occasionally taking part inpleasurable activities is a way to break with monotony and animate, and avoid entering phases of apathy and sadness.
Making space and time for creativity
Producing something new from the imagination involves the activation and stimulation of mental processes such as memory, attention, reasoning, etc. that are positive and involve beneficial effects also on the emotional state.
Keeping in touch with nature
Contact with nature has a beneficial effect on both physical and psychic health. It helps, among other things, to strengthen the immune system and reduce stress.