Issue 4 - Coverwest magazine

well being
There are many ways in which we can help our bodies in this process
of renewal and growth and in turn minimise the effects this slow
down has on our everyday lives.
1. Find a self-help group in your area: It can be a great relief to meet
and share experiences with other people who are going through the
same as you. It’s comforting to know you are not alone. Joining a
group can also combat feelings of isolation and it encourages you to
socialise.
2. Exercise may be the last thing you feel like doing when you’re
depressed but studies have shown regular activity is as successful as
anti-depressant medication in increasing energy levels. Aim to get
thirty minutes of activity three or four times a week. Find something
you enjoy that fits into your life, whether that’s a class, or dancing, or
simply a brisk walk during your lunch break.
3. Eat like you love your body: The food we eat has a direct effect on
our mood. Aim for a balanced diet of protein, complex carbohydrates,
fruits and vegetables. Try to boost your intake of B vitamins and
Omega 3 fatty acids. Minimize all the foods we know are bad for us.
You don’t need me to tell you what they are.
4. Depression is a lonely place and you can experience feelings of
guilt and shame. You may feel you don’t want to burden your loved
ones and this makes it difficult to reach out. The bottom line is
people care about you and they want to help. Just let them know
you’re having difficulty.
5. Keep up with social activities even if you don’t feel like it. Make
time for any activity or hobby you enjoy and integrate with likeminded
people. Networks of support play an important role in
lifting the fog of depression and keeping it away.
6. Getting professional help for your depression is one of the hardest
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things to do so it is not a sign of weakness but, rather, shows great
courage. Depression can be treated with medication and your GP
maybe able to recommend or organise professional counselling to
deal with unresolved issues.
Simple lifestyle changes can make a significant impact of the
occurrence, length and severity of bouts of depression. Feeling better
will take time and effort but by making positive choices you can
decrease the impact depression will have on your life.
If you are or have been affected by depression, you can seek support
and advice from the following places:
Aware Defeat Depression
10 Clarendon Street, Derry, Co. Londonderry
T: +44 (0)28 7126 0602 Freephone: T: 08457202961
W: www.aware-ni.org
-Support Group, Roe Valley Education Forum, 136 Roemill Road,
Limavady, Co. Londonderry
-Support Group, The Tara Centre, 11 Holmview Terrace, Omagh,
Co. Tyrone
-Support Group, 4a Pearce Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
-Support Group, Markievicz House, Barrack Street, Co. Sligo
-Support Group, Aisling Centre, Darling Street, Enniskillen,
Co. Fermanagh
Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health (NIAMH)
20 Clarendon Street, Derry, Co. Londonderry
T: +44 (0)28 7126 9677 W: www.niamh.co.uk