Low Vision Diagnosis – How to Prevent Depression Naturally

Instances of depression are very common nowadays, and science suggests that those with a low vision diagnosis are at risk.  Due to the oppressive and demoralizing nature of losing eyesight, it can be easy to find yourself in a depressive rut. There are however many ways that you can prevent and decrease the symptoms of depression naturally, and here are some examples:

Get the help of a friend or loved one

Talking to a friend or loved one is paramount when trying to overcome depressive symptoms.  As these are the people who know and love us the most, they’re very likely to empathize with and understand how we’re feeling.  Loved ones can provide a calming influence and a very useful insight into our problems.

Stick to a regular sleeping schedule

One of the biggest and most obvious symptoms of depression is that you either sleep for too long or you don’t sleep enough.  People may find themselves waking (and getting) up in the middle of the night or in the late afternoon.  Research suggests that having a regular sleeping pattern and getting up in the morning will be very beneficial for your mental health and your depression, and that your risk of the illness is related to your chronotype.  You’ll feel fresher, happier, and you’ll give yourself an extra couple of hours and a rigid schedule upon which to accomplish your goals.

Eat and drink healthier

The scientific literature has detailed a strong link between diet and depression.  There are many disagreements, but the consensus is that a healthier diet will decrease your depressive symptoms.  This doesn’t mean that you need to make radical changes to how you eat.  Small and subtle differences can make a big difference.  Replacing sugary drinks with water and reducing your alcohol intake are great places to start!

Start (or increase) exercising

One of the best ways to naturally combat depression is exercise.  Once you get your body moving and start to sweat, endorphins will be released in your brain that will provide an instant boost to your mood.  It doesn’t have to be difficult or strenuous either – a short walk or a home workout will do the trick!  Yoga can also be a very beneficial form of exercise, as it’s both physically positive and highly meditative.  One of the biggest problems with physical impairments is that people feel like they can’t do and accomplish things that others can, often citing exercise as an example.  This isn’t true! There are a million ways to exercise, and with a small amount of research you’ll find a way that’s perfect for your situation.

Learn how to meditate

For thousands of years, people from all around the world have used meditation to help clear their mind of negative feelings.  Its benefits are countless – it’ll boost your mood, give you greater clarity of mind, make you calmer and more peaceful, and it’ll also greatly increase your ability to combat daily challenges that are provided.  Meditation has been shown not only to decrease depressive symptoms, but to also help people with physical impairments have a much healthier and more positive attitude towards their illness.  Setting aside 10 minutes a day will help you to see the world and the problems you face in a more balanced light.

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Marcus regularly blogs at psysci, a psychology, science blog that examines the latest research and explains how findings can impact and improve people’s lives.