Depression And Anxiety Sufferers: How Difficult Do You Find It To Meet New People And Date?

Impaired relationships and social interactions are just two of the consequences of chronic depression or always being in a state of depression. Depression can be very stressful and emotionally draining, to say the least. It makes you want to just curl in your private area and withdraw from social obligations. Sometimes the feeling of depression can be so intense to make you want to breakup with your partner.

If you acknowledge the fact that you are depressed and that your depression is what impairs your relationship with others, then the best thing you must do is to get treatment. Don't think you can handle it all on your own because depression is not as easy as it sounds. Clinical depression or chronic depression requires expertise that can only be given who trained for that.

A possible treatment option for you is group therapy. It delivers treatment in a group setting. It allows you to be with other people, sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings, among others. You may not like it at first, but soon you'll realize that all of you in the group have at least one or several things in common, and so it becomes easier to adapt to each other as you progress with your treatment. Not only that, being in a group therapy allows you to establish friendships with other individuals in the group, and that's a great start if you are dreaming of meeting new people and begin dating again.

If you have anxiety problems as well, your doctor may also prescribe medications to control them. When on medications, however, make sure you do not take more than what has been prescribed. Sometimes, depressed individuals tend to think that downing several pills at the same time will end their depression quickly. Well, that is quite true, only that, you may be in a far worse state than before when that happens.

It is always a difficult time for anyone to go through a state of depression. Along with group therapy and medications, employing the following self-help strategies can help pull you out of your misery and perhaps even put a smile on your face:

• Exercise early in the morning. Train your mind to wake up at 5 in the morning to exercise. Exercise helps to balance hormones and brain chemicals that are responsible in causing depression. But go easy on yourself. You don't have to do anything strenuous, at least not yet when it has been a while since you exercise. In order for you not to easily lose motivation, start with some deep breathing exercises and a few rounds of brisk walking around the neighborhood.


• Get more sun. One study has it that many people who are depressed also happen to have low levels of Vitamin D, a vitamin that is activated by the sun. So make sure to catch some rays as soon as the sun is already up.


• Think happy thoughts. Sounds easier said than done? Well, not exactly, when you have your high school yearbook all spread out before you! Poring over old photographs and letters brings back so many endearing memories you cannot help but smile through your grief.


• Have a change of environment. Take a brief vacation to relieve yourself of anything that bugs you. A change of environment almost always works many wonders. Choose a place where you think you can experience a lot of fun.


• Volunteer your services. Knowing that there is something you can do for another will build your confidence.


• Spend time with children. Being around children will keep your worries away.