Trying to beat depression? Here's a clue: depression and isolation are best buds.
If you're down in the dumps, then you probably haven't felt like going out and socializing lately.
I get it, I do, but if you really want to nip this depression thing in the bud, then it may be time to re-think your loner strategy.
Here are some of the best ways you can make beating depression a group effort.

• Spill it to Someone

Even if you're not the type to blab on and on about your problems to anyone who will listen (and let's hope you're not!), you still need at least one person who you can spill the beans with.
Anyone who knows how to deal with stress and depression will tell you that keeping all of your negative emotions to yourself is counterproductive.
Of course, you'll want to make sure the person is trustworthy and won't go blabbing themselves, but once you've identified a confidante, go ahead and vent.
Just getting things off of your chest and maybe even having a good cry will do wonders for your mood.

• Join a Group

No, I don't mean a support group, (though that's not out of the question either).
Any group will do as long as you have a motivation to join.
Want to lose weight? Join a weight loss group.
Love reading? Sign up a book club.
You get the idea-simply being around other people who share a common goal or interest will help you move out from under that dark cloud that's been following you around.

• Volunteer

If you're hyperfocused on learning how to deal with stress or the problems in your life, then you may be overthinking things, which could be contributing to your depressed mood.
Volunteering your time and energy to help someone else can help snap you out of this self-centered mindset and give you some perspective.
It also has the added benefit of getting you out and about in the community where you can meet other charitable people like yourself!

• Find an Exercise Buddy

If you've done any research at all on how to deal with stress or beat depression, then you know that exercise is a great tool, but you may not have thought that doing it in pairs could have a double effect.
It's true! Exercising with someone else can help you forge a positive relationship and give you the chance to socialize a bit while releasing feel-good endorphins.
Having an exercise partner also makes you accountable to someone, which means you're likely to get moving more often! If you've been trying to beat depression alone, then you're neglecting some very important resources-other people! We are social creatures even when we don't feel like it.
Embrace this part of yourself and go out there and socialize.
Don't wait until you feel better or that time may never come! Do it now and start learning how to deal with stress and depression more effectively.