Five things to do when you're feeling blue

There are good and bad days, good times and bad times. But when the bad start to outnumber the good, it can get you. There are plenty of ways to banish sadness. These are among the techniques that work.

The upswing in concern about mental illness among teenagers might not be a bad thing. Source: Moment RF/ Getty Images

Surround yourself with happy thoughts

When you occupy your mind with happy thoughts and activities, you don't have time to think about your troubles. Don't sit and brood. Do something you love. Go to an art show, go shopping, grab a book, go to the beach or attend a sporting event. Whatever you do for pleasure when you're happy becomes even more important to do when you're blue.

Bookshops and libraries were the places I disappeared into imagined worlds. Source: Getty Images

Have a good laugh

When was the last time you had a good laugh? If you can't remember then you're probably taking life too seriously. Laughter can melt tension  which lifts your spirit. If you can't find something to laugh at, seek out funny people who can make you laugh.

Source: Getty Images

Be active

Feeling blue? Take a walk. Go for a run. Jump on your bike and ride around the block. Even just getting up from your desk and walking for five or ten minutes inside the office building or around the block can make a major difference in the way you feel and the energy level you bring with you when you return to work. Numerous studies have found that exercise is a powerful mood elevator.

Young asian woman with bike on the country lane Source: Getty Images/xia yuan

Think positive

Check your inner monologue and truly listen to what it's saying. If it is filled with a lot of negatives- I can't, I'm just not lucky, this always happens to me- make a concerted effort to change your attitude even if it requires seeing a counselor. Happy people are positive people.

emale counselor counsels teenage girl in group therapy or support group. Source: Getty Images

Spend more time outdoors

Many of us feel happier after spending time in the sun. One reason may be that when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet light, our skin manufactures vitamin D. Vitamin D has many other clearly established benefits: it helps maintain strong bones and muscles and reduces the risk of infections, heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, multiple sclerosis, allergies and asthma. So by all means, enjoy the sun!

Senior couple sitting on back of camper van on beach, smiling, portrait Source: Cultura RF

Getting the blues is a normal feeling we all experience from time to time but true depression is not. Depression is a mood disturbance characterised by profound sadness and despair. It's a condition that should be treated with professional counselling and medications. Fortunately, treatments do exist.

If symptoms of anxiety or depression just won't go away, call a health care professional for help. You deserve to get better. Contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyondblue 1300 224 636.

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