<font color="#000088">Dealing with stress
Depression is more common in people who have had to make major emotional adjustments in their lifes during the past 6-12 months, for example, to the death of a family member, the birth of a baby, the loss of a job or moving house. All these events may result in persistent stress. Over time, the effects of such stress make you vulnerable to depression. In order to resolve fully the depression and to prevent recurrences it is important to resolve stress.

Rules for reducing stress:

Get your priorities right - sort out what really matters in your life.
Think ahead and anticipate how to get around difficulties.
Share worries with family or friends whenever possible.
Stay sober.
Seek information, help and advice early, even if it's effort.
Try to develop a social network or a group of friends.
Take up hobbies and interests.
Eat good, wholesome food.
Lead a regular life style.
Give yourself treats for positve actions, attitudes and thoughts.
Do not regard difficulties as personal failings or failures - they are challenges to improve your ingenuity and stamina.
Do not be too hard on yourself - Keep things in proportion.
Get to know yourself better - improve your defences and strengthen your weak points.
'Do not bottle things up' or sit brooding - think realistically about problems and decide to take some appropriate action; if nessary, distract yourself in some pleasant way.
Do not be reluctant to seek medical help if your worrried about your health.
Remember that there are many people who have faced similar circumstances and have dealt with them successfully, with or with out the help of others.
There are always people who are willing and able to help whatever the problem - do not be unwilling to benefit from their experience.

The first priority in tackling stress is to ensure that you are getting sufficient excercise, a nourishing diet and enough sleep. Alcohol, tabacco and non-prescribed drugs should be avoided, they are addictive and increase stress.

Thank you Miss_A.