Good Sleep Habits

• One key to managing depression is to get enough sleep. People who suffer from depression often sleep either too little or too much, making their symptoms worse. It's important to get on a regular sleep schedule. By going to bed at the same time, waking at the same time, and getting a healthy amount of sleep each day, you can work toward regulating your mood. If you find that your depression makes it difficult to follow good sleep habits, consider asking your doctor to prescribe a sleep remedy.
  
  

Manage Stress Appropriately

• Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand. By managing your stress levels, you may be able to brighten your mood. If you know you have a stressful week coming up, take action early to set aside some downtime. Be sure you get adequate rest, enough to eat, and healthy sleep. Taking care of your health should be your biggest priority.
  
  If you regularly find that stress is affecting your mood, spend some time learning about stress management techniques. By adding meditation, prayer, or gentle exercise to your routine, you may be able to manage stress before it starts.
  
  

Daily Exercise

• Several studies since the early 1980s have shown exercise to be as effective as antidepressants for improving mood. Although it can be difficult to work up the motivation, adding daily exercise to your routine is an excellent way to boost your mood. By exercising daily, you'll encourage your body to produce endorphins--natural feel-good chemicals. You may even be able to reduce or eliminate the need for medication.
  
  

When to Seek Professional Help

• If you find that, despite employing these techniques, you still feel depressed on a regular basis, it may be time to seek outside help. Therapists, counselors and psychiatrists are all equipped to deal with depression and can help you develop a treatment plan.
  
  If you have health insurance, check with your plan to find a provider. If you do not have insurance, many mental health facilities take cash payments or operate on a sliding scale basis.
  
  If you feel like you can't cope or are have thoughts of harming yourself, go to your local emergency room. The doctors and professionals there are equipped to refer you to outside care and can help you find the services you need.