If you've had depression, you know how hopeless you can feel. It's important to get professional treatment. But there are things you can do to ease symptoms of depression. Exercise, changing your diet, and even playing with a pet can improve your mood. Follow through to see how you can start regaining control of your life. Let your pet nuzzle blues away Sometimes your pet really can be your best friend -- and that's good therapy. When you play with your pet, you take your mind off your problems. Also, when you take care of your pet you're fulfilling a commitment to something outside yourself. Caring for others can be very therapeutic. Eat smart to lift mind and body There's a connection between mind and body. Although there is no specific diet that works for depression, a healthy diet can be part of an overall treatment plan. Build your diet around plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help boost your physical and emotional health. Choose foods to boost your mood Some studies suggest omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 may ease the mood changes that are part of depression. Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids. So do flaxseed, nuts, soybeans, and dark green vegetables. Seafood and low-fat dairy products are sources of B12. Vegetarians who eat no meat or fish can get B12 in fortified cereals, dairy products, and supplements. Try low-fat carbs for a pick-me-up Serotonin is a brain chemical that enhances your sense of well-being. Carbohydrates raise the level of serotonin in your brain. Low-fat carbs such as popcorn, a baked potato, graham crackers, or pasta are options. Vegetables, fruit, and whole grain options also provide fiber. Drink less caffeine to improve mood Do you really need that third cup of coffee? Anxiety can accompany depression. And too much caffeine can make you nervous, jittery, or anxious. So cutting back on soda, coffee, tea, and chocolate may make a difference in your mood. It can also help you sleep better at night. Treat your aches and pains Feelings of depression can be related to pain. Work with your health care team to treat your depression and your pain. Exercise to change the way you feel For some people, exercise works as well or even better than antidepressants. And you don't have to run a marathon. Just take a walk with a friend. As time goes on, increase activity until you exercise on most days. You'll feel better physically, sleep better at night, and improve your mood. Choose an exercise you enjoy If you don’t like to run, you won't last long training for a marathon. But you will stay with a moderate exercise you enjoy. For instance, try golfing without a cart, riding a bike, working in your garden, playing tennis, or swimming. The important thing is to pick something you like. Then you'll look forward to it and feel better when you do it. Exercise with others for support Staying connected with other people helps overcome the lethargy, exhaustion, and loneliness of depression. Join an exercise group or exercise with a friend. You'll stay connected. And you'll have support to help you stay on track! Be sure you get enough sunlight Do you feel more depressed during darker, cold months? You may have seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. SAD is most common when there's less sunlight. SAD can be treated with light therapy or exposure to artificial sunlight, antidepressants, and psychotherapy. Explore your creativity Painting, photography, music, knitting, or writing in a journal: These are all ways people explore their feelings and express what's on their mind. Being creative can help you feel better. The goal isn't to create a masterpiece. Do something that gives you pleasure. It may help you better understand who you are and how you feel. Make time for mindful relaxation Stress and anxiety can increase your depression symptoms and make it harder to recover. Learning to mentally relax can help restore a sense of calm and control. You might consider a yoga or meditation class. Or you could simply listen to soothing music while you take a long, hot bath. Become actively involved Being involved with others can help you regain a sense of purpose. And it doesn't take much to get started. Try volunteering with a charity. Or join a discussion group at the library or at church. Meeting new people and doing new things will help you feel good about yourself. Keep friends and family in your life The people who love you want to support you. If you shut them out, they can't. If you let them in, you'll feel a lot better. Call a friend and go for a walk. Have a cup of coffee with your partner. You may find it helps to talk about your depression. It feels good to have someone listen. Get the healthy sleep you need Depression interferes with healthy sleep. Some people with depression sleep too much. Others can't fall asleep easily. As you recover from depression, relearn good sleep habits. Start by going to bed and getting up the same time each day. Use relaxation techniques to help you fall asleep. Healthy sleep makes you feel better physically and mentally. Avoid alcohol and drugs Alcohol and drugs can slow or prevent recovery from depression. They can also make your depression worse and interfere with the medicines you take for depression. If you have a problem with substance abuse, ask for help now. You'll have a far better chance of recovering from depression. Continue your treatment The steps outlined in these slides may help you feel positive about your life. But alone, they're not enough. They won't replace medical treatment or talk therapy. Depression is a serious illness, and it carries a risk of suicide. If you are thinking about suicide, seek help immediately. And never stop or change treatment without discussing it carefully with your doctor.