On Thursday, July 20th, Linkin Park lead singer and star Chester Bennington was found dead from an apparent suicide at age 41. The death of Bennington comes on what would have been the 53rd birthday of Soundgarden rocker Chris Cornell. Cornell and Bennington were reportedly good friends and their bands toured together in 2007 and 2008. Conrnell died of suicide on May 18th after playing what would be his final show in Detroit, Michigan.
After a string of incidents in my hometown, it is important to remember to seek help if you need it and to not be afraid to tackle the issue head on. People are here to support you.
For someone going through depression, it can make them feel helpless Here are 10 natural depression treatments, according to WebMD, to make you start feeling better right now.
1. Get In A Routine
This can help if the days seem to start blending together and one day just melts into the next. Whether it's a full day"s routine or just making sure you're awake at 9 a.m. everyday to brush your teeth and start your day can help you get ready to take on a seemingly irregular world.
But this is not always a great answer as a daily routine is sometimes the root of the issues and can hold you hostage. It's all about finding something that works for you and gets you out of bed in the morning.
2. Set Goals
Sometimes it may just feel like you can't do or accomplish anything. This is where, according to WebMD, you need to start small in setting goals. Succeed at the little things, something as simple as doing the dishes regularly, and that trickles into the bigger aspects of your life.
3. Exercise
That boost, those feel-good chemicals inside every person are known as endorphins. According to UCLA MD Ian Cook, regular exercise seems to rewire your brain in positive ways. It shows your body that you care about yourself. Just walking a few times a week can help, you don't need to do triathlons
4. Eat Healthy
Diet is not going to fix depression alone, but it can help a lot. Depression can cause a lot of overeating, so if you're going to overeat, make it some strawberries or carrots or something good for you. You have to take care of yourself.
5. Get Enough Sleep
And sleep during normal sleeping hours. Waking up at 2 p.m. everyday may make it seem like you're getting enough sleep, but the late start to the day often factors into the overall productivity. Waking up early while also knowing you got enough sleep is rare for a lot of people but invigorating when it happens.
Sleep when others sleep and wake up when others wake. But if you have to sleep in until two in the afternoon, do it, because lack of sleep is a key influence in worsening depression.
6. Take On Responsibilities
This goes right along with setting goals and creating a sense of achievement and accomplishment. Stay involved with as much as possible whether it be at work, home, school, or wherever. Volunteering is something that helps many people see other people in tough situations and can shed a light on oneself. Do what you can. Try your best.
7. Challenge Negative Thoughts
According to WebMD, the majority of work in the battle against depression is mental, which seems obvious. It means that the way you think about things, and yourself, needs change. You don't always have to leap to the worst possible conclusion about every situation that you're in. It may be tough, but again, little by little change creates big change.
8. Do Something New
Do something that will excite you. Something that will bring you to life. Go to a museum and appreciate the history or beauty if you have never been. Read a new book in the park instead of at home.
Or do something even crazier. Sky-dive, bungee-jump, slap a bull on the ass.
Do something that makes you feel something you've never felt before.
9. Have Fun
Do whatever you can to have a good time. Make time for the things you know you enjoy with people you know you enjoy. Do whatever you can. Exhaust all measures and avenues. It should never come to taking your own life, there is help out there for everyone.
Depression is a battle versus yourself. You control everything and decide who wins.
