Attend activities with others even if you don't feel like talking. Watch your diet. Include raw vegetables and fruits to increase your energy level. List ways you can let go of your depression. Complete the worksheet, Taking Care of Myself, included in this lesson.
Tapes offer a relaxed way to listen to helpful information.
There are many self-help books and pamphlets that can help you understand your emotions and give suggestions on overcoming problem areas in your life. The bibliography at the end of this lesson lists several good ones. Depressed people can be very difficult to be around, and yet they need more than the usual understanding and support from their friends and family. The anger and lack of trust that a depressed person may have for people close to him or her is very disturbing to someone who is trying to help. At such times, the sincerity of a friend is questioned when the depressed person doesn't feel worthy of someone's friendship.