The inability to sleep, or the propensity to sleep all the time. Noticeably slow thinking and acting, or an agitated state. Loss of energy daily. The sense that a person has no worth. When the mildly depressed individual detects these symptoms there are some activities to undertake outside of therapy that can be helpful to lesson these symptoms, and enhance ability to function in daily tasks.
Exercise is a wonderful self-treatment.
Aerobic exercise produces endorphins. These body chemicals produce a euphoric state. This is especially helpful to the depressed person who may have a deficiency in seratonin, another mood enhancing chemical. Exercise cleanses the body, gives the individual more energy, assists in weight loss, and encourages a healthy appetite. All of these benefits directly affects specific symptoms of depression.