- Make time for the things you love. Don't get caught up in day to day life and miss out on the things that you really enjoy. Make time for family trips, getting outdoors, visiting friends, reading, going to the movies; what makes you happy.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. Confiding in someone can help to relieve some of the pressure and provide a way in which to work through your problems. Keeping your emotions bottled up will only increase depression and negative emotion.
- Join a self-help group and discuss your feelings and concerns - it can help you to feel less isolated. These groups meet on a regular basis to share experiences and coping strategies. The Depression Alliance also coordinates a pen-friend service and offers a correspondence scheme for people affected by depression.
- Focus on the positive aspects of your life, the people, places, activities and things that make you feel happy, motivated and loved. Don't avoid these things when you feel down - embrace them!
- Remember that you don't always have to be right! Conflict in our personal lives is a big source of stress and pressure. Try to see things from the other person's perspective and realise that sometimes there is no right answer.
- Be able to say 'no' when required. Sometimes it is necessary to say no when we can no longer take on any more commitments without jeopardising our own health.
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