8 Ways to Actively Fight Depression

When you're depressed, it often feels like nothing in the world can make you feel better. Depression is a devious disorder, because the symptoms it creates can discourage you from completing the very actions or seeking the help that would begin your recovery. Lack of energy, low self-esteem and dwindling excitement are some of the symptoms that make it hard to get out of a depressed state. For anyone experiencing this "stuckness," it's important to remember that depression is a very common and highly-treatable disorder. By approaching it like any other physical disease and taking the actions that will destroy the parasites infecting your mental state, you can conquer your depression. Here are eight steps to doing just that.

On December 6, I am presenting a free webinar on The Critical Inner Voice That Causes Depression. The presentation will illustrate how this destructive thought process fuels depression and will educate individuals on how they can start to identify and conquer their critical inner voice.

Read more from Dr. Lisa Firestone and get additional resources on depression at PsychAlive.org.

Do you think you may suffer from depression? Take this quiz to help you find out. http://www.depression-screening.org

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISIS OR IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE HELP, CALL The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -- 1-800-273-TALK (8255).This is a free hotline available 24 hours a day to anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.