Photographs of the temple of Isis and western colonnade on the island of Philae by Félix Teynard

French, taken 1851-1852, printed 1853-1854 by H. de Fonteny et Cie

salted paper print from paper negative

Depression can often be difficult to fight as it usually drains your energy. And though it can’t be overcome by willpower alone, you still have some control, no matter how you feel. The suggestions below can help you with this.

1. Keep doing the activities you previously enjoyed (even if you don’t enjoy them as much when you’re depressed).

2. Try to build some exercise into your day as it releases endorphins – the body’s feel good hormones.

3. Know what your triggers and your risk factors are. For example, loneliness, stress, disappointment and pain are common triggers and risk factors for depression.

4. Stay in touch with your friends. Often those who are depressed start to isolate themselves – but that leads to loneliness - which can make depression worse.

5. Try to maintain some kind of routine, especially when it comes to getting up, and going to bed. Taking naps in the daytime can cause insomnia and leave you feeling drained, so you have no energy.

6. Try to get a handle on how much you ruminate. Take note of your thought patterns; don’t dwell on negatives. Instead, challenge faulty thinking so it’s much less pessimistic … and try to be thankful … and to look for positives.

7. Make sure you do things that make you feel more relaxed. Often people who’re depressed feel uptight and agitated. So it’s important that you find things that can help you to relax.

8. Resist the temptation to self-medicate (especially through alcohol or substance abuse.) That will lead to greater problem, and will make you feel much worse.

9. Seek out support. Talk to a good friend, or someone that you trust. You’ll usually find there’s someone who genuinely cares.