Let’s face it, the economy is tough, the world is in crisis, and things are tough everywhere. But that’s how it has always been, and probably always will be. Such is life, there is always something going on or going wrong, and the passing of 2011 will not provide a miracle that fixes this economy, so if you are one of the many depressed by your situation, you must learn to find your own. Exit. This is the second part of a series of three on how to deal with depression. In Part 1, we examined the causes and symptoms of depression. Now let’s see what we can do to fix the problem. By adjusting your point of view and developing a positive mental attitude, you can develop a long-term perspective that can help you overcome any problem.

So let’s get down to business. Here are some tips for taking a 180-degree turn in life so you can stay one step ahead of depression:

Relax

First, learn to RELAX. I find that the most effective activities that encourage me to relax are walking, writing, dancing, soaking in a hot tub, and listening to relaxing music, such as sounds of nature with delicate musical instruments in the background. However, the most important way to relax is to sleep well. There is nothing better for general relaxation than a good night’s sleep. But is it possible to sleep when we are tense or depressed? If we go to bed all tense, worried about what to do the next day, we will generate disturbed sleep patterns. Not only will this make us wake up aggravated and sullen, it can also increase our blood pressure. Meditation is great for creating quiet moments to find the answers you are looking for. I always find comfort in the first line of Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” This is the supreme biblical treatment of fear. It will help you overcome any kind of difficulty if you tune in to the level of consciousness it reaches. You will elevate your thoughts, your vision to see beyond your needs, your circumstances, or the conditions around you. In doing so, fear turns to courage and confidence, anxiety to calm, despair to faith and hope. Let it be your strength, your energy, your motivation, helping you to flow with life, facing each moment of each day with new inspiration.

To laugh

Raucous or hearty laughter always seems to stand out. A good laugh is an amazing emotion. It’s contagious. Find many things to laugh at. Not only does it loosen the muscles in your face and body and lower your blood pressure, it also increases your energy level, making you feel better instantly. I like this statement that Bill Cosby made, “Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows life has to offer. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation is, you can survive.” So call a friend who is fun to be with. Invite him to your home to watch one of his favorite comedy movies. Or spend some time with your dog or cat, playing and giving them a lot of love. Who doesn’t like to see a cat play, chase the ball of yarn, make you laugh? The best part of bonding with a furry friend is when they snuggle into your lap, night after night, nice and peaceful, showering you in love and satisfaction. I guarantee you will start to feel better.

Mingle

When you are depressed, it is not good to isolate yourself. The best thing you can do is connect with others. One way to do this is to become a volunteer. People who volunteer their time feel better emotionally, physically, and psychologically. It is a great way to overcome a negative attitude. It diverts your attention from the focus of your concerns, putting it on someone else’s needs. A volunteer is a happy person who can accomplish extraordinary things. Once you start, you will be amazed at how much artistic talent you will find within yourself. Volunteering will increase your self esteem, your self esteem and your confidence. Your social life will improve because you will develop new friends. It is ideal for relieving anxiety and stress, helping you maintain a positive mood. The best part is that you will have fun.

Now that you’re in a better frame of mind and your spirits have been lifted, we can get to the heart of the matter: How do you deal with the financial dilemma you’re in? In Part 3 of this 3-part series, we’ll examine the things you can do to combat your obsession with your financial situation, helping you overcome depression once and for all.