Checklist for Preventing Depression
Preventing Depression
Depression is a treatable and preventable condition. The checklist below may help you prevent the onset of depression.
- Stress - Use techniques to handle stress (meditation, yoga etc.)
- Esteem - Use techniques to improve self esteem
- Sleep - Get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night (click for our Guide for Better Sleep)
- Weight - Maintain healthy weight to improve your self-esteem
- Food - Eat food rich in quality protein (fish and chicken) in addition to living foods (fruit and vegetables)
- Exercise - Exercise generates "feel good" hormones in the brain
- Nature - Spend time in nature
- Walk - Increases metabolism, decreases blood pressure, improves brain function and protects against chronic diseases such as diabetes.
- Communicate - Talk with friends and family. Have a strong support system.
- Social Media - Limit social media as it can be addictive and can worsen low self-esteem
- Toxicity - Avoid toxic people, relationships and minimize toxic situations
- Support - Find a support group
- Healthcare - See your doctor to discuss your challenges and concerns. Seek help.
- Alcohol - Alcohol and recreational drugs impair judgment and could make depression worse
- Self-Awareness - Observe yourself for any changes in mood, do not take decisions when feeling down
- Triggers - Know the triggers that are unavoidable and plan for them
- Medications - Understand the side effects of the medications that you are taking and know which ones may trigger depression
- Treatment - Follow your treatment/therapy plans are prescribed