Depression is a hard emotion to control, but there are ways you can head it off at the pass, according to Health Essentials.
One way to head off depression before it takes over is “recognize your warning signs.” Everybody has warning signs that signal a depressive episode is coming, and you can often notice them in your sleep patterns, your moods, how you interact and withdraw from people socially.
As Health Essentials also recommends, good sleep habits help as well. Not only try to stay on the same sleep schedule but also make sure you “limit your caffeine intake and screen time (on the phone, computer or TV) before bed.”
Good eating habits are important too. “Poor nutrition will only make you feel worse. If you typically eat more when you’re depressed, stock your kitchen with healthier snacks, and work on cultivating coping skills that don’t involve food.”
And of course, stay away from alcohol. “Depression and alcohol don’t mix. Alcohol will worsen your mood and wreak havoc on your sleep.