As if people who suffer from depression don’t have enough to worry about, here’s something else: According to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, “A history of major depression increases the risk of heart disease over and above any genetic risks common to depression and heart disease.” Among an assortment of ailments (physical, mental and otherwise) that depression causes, we now know that heart disease is one of them. That’s depressing!

But most of us don’t start out with serious, long-term depression. Sometimes life events bring on bouts of sadness, or what’s called “situational depression,” which occurs when one experiences the death of a loved one, a financial crisis, a traumatic event and so on. If temporary bouts of sadness are not addressed, they may become acute. And while I don’t claim to be a psychologist or professional therapist, I have dealt with both long- and short-term periods of depression. More importantly, I have learned ways of avoiding long-term depression and dealing head-on with sadness and shorter bouts of the blues. What’s worked for me will hopefully work for you. However, depression is no joke. If you have been suffering from depression for longer than three to six months, talk to your doctor today. He or she can help! Otherwise, here are ten life-changing tips that can transform your mental and emotional well-being.  (more…)