• Managing Your Depression
• Taking Care of Yourself
• Be Good to Your Body
• Be Good to Your Mind
• Expand Your Network
• Tools and Resources
• Managing Your Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Managing Your Diabetic Nerve Pain
• Managing Your Fibromyalgia

Be Good to Your Body

If you're depressed, or think you might be, here are some ways to take care of yourself as you begin treatment. First and foremost, it is important for you to realize that being depressed is not your fault—it is a real medical illness. Your personality or lifestyle did not cause it. It has real medical causes, which can be treated by a doctor. Talk with your doctor about how the following may help with your treatment plan.

Be good to your body
Depression can take a lot of your energy away, leaving you tired and fatigued, so exercise might seem unappealing. Start small. Take a short walk or do a little gardening, for example.

Be aware of your diet
Depression can change your appetite and make eating well difficult, but eating right can help you feel better. Consider asking a friend or family member to help you with shopping or cooking. Taking a multivitamin can also help you meet your nutritional needs.

It is also important to take care of your mind.