Simple ways to stay engaged

Your responsibilities continue, and you can continue to meet them.

The National Institute of Mental Health offers some straightforward advice to help you stay engaged as part of your depression treatment:

• Set realistic goals, and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.
• Break up large tasks into smaller ones, set priorities, and do what you can when you can.
• Try to be with other people and confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.
• Participate in activities that make you feel better.
• Mild exercise, going to a movie or a ballgame, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help.
• Try to postpone important decisions until your depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition, change jobs, or get married or divorced, discuss your situation with others who know you well and have a more objective view.
• Let your family and friends help you.