Depressive moods, often confused with depression, are feelings of melancholy, hopelessness and a general lack of joie de vivre. Typical signs include loss of appetite, exhaustion, sleep disorders, anxiety and feelings of guilt.
The person affected can use these measures to help themselves.
Immediate measures against depressive moods
- Lots of daylight, sunshine and exercise in the fresh air. Red light lamps, UV lamps and high-altitude sunshine also brighten the mood.
- Sleep deprivation, too much sleep can worsen the symptoms. Only go to bed when you are really tired and get up as soon as you wake up in the morning, even if you lack the drive to do so.
- Fulfil wishes, treat yourself to something good every day, reward yourself for small successes.
- Closeness and affection from other people, talking to friends
- St John's wort, take as a tea mixture or coated tablets
- Colour therapy, fill your living environment with cheerful and stimulating colours such as red, orange and yellow tones, use soft blue tones at night. Avoid dark and greyish colours.
- Seek social energy through sports or other leisure groups
- Set yourself challenges and try to achieve them. Caution: Do not set your goals too high, they must be achievable, otherwise they will have the opposite effect.
- Autosuggestion, the power of positive thinking. Avoid phrases such as 'I can't do it' and take an optimistic view of existing situations.
- Aromatherapy, use essential oils such as orange oil, rose oil, sandalwood or lavender in the form of scented lamps or as a bath.
In more serious cases of depressive moods, it is essential to seek medical help, as this could be genuine depression.
Stress, self-blame, alcohol consumption, too little light and seclusion should be avoided at all costs in the case of depressive moods.
