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  |  General Health  |  Mental Health  |  Get back to feeling happy
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Get back to feeling happy

by Ellen Michaud
How do you know if you are just feeling a bit 'down in the dumps' or if you are showing signs of a depressive illness?

The following signs may be indicators that your mood is not as healthy as it should be:

  • Your outlook on life or your performance at work has changed drastically over the past months
  • People you trust have suggested that you have changed a lot or they have expressed concern for your well-being
  • You have been ill more often than usual
  • You have gained or lost a lot of weight
  • You have either found that you need much more sleep than usual or you can't sleep at all
  • Your sexual desire has diminished or increased in an alarming way

    If you answered 'yes' to any of the questions above, use the following tips to help your mind and improve your mood:

    Listen to your thoughts. Do they seem obsessive? Do they sound negative? If they do, then:

    Rethink your problems. Work out what's bothering you and how it developed. Then try to look at the problem in a different way.

    Get moving. Exercise is a remedy for poor mental health, enabling the brain to release 'feel good' chemicals.

    Get help. Conquer small problems before they grow - either by talking them over with a good friend or, if they are more serious, by talking to a trained counsellor. You must inform your GP if you think you are suffering from depression.

    Stop mind chatter. Prevent any negative conversations in your head, engage yourself with something new and challenging, such as a good book or a new evening class. Research shows that the more inquiring, searching and active your brain is, the healthier it becomes.
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    This iVillage Health service area is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that of a child, please consult your family's health provider immediately and do not wait for a response from our professionals. For the full Disclaimer, click here.
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