5 Personality Traits That Can Help Combat Depression [EXPERT]

When someone is depressed, they feel like there is nothing in the world that can make things better. When someone seeks help from a mental health professional, they are looking for something that is going to make it better. Whether this is medication or some type of inner discovery, there is still usually something missing. When someone is depressed it may be harder for them to tap into the discovery of themselves. How To Talk With Someone You Love When They Are Depressed

The piece that is missing is what the depressed person may not be bringing to the session. Everybody possesses certain personality traits, some are inherited and some are learned. When people are depressed they are not functioning as healthy as they can be, and coping and problem solving skills don't come as naturally as they had before. It is possible to learn how to incorporate the five traits below to your life which may help make it easier for someone to overcome a depressive episode. 3 Types Of Depression: Which One Rings True For You?

1. Empathy

First, people with depression usually can't think about anything except what is happening to them. When someone is depressed they isolate themselves and are blaming themselves or others for things that have gone wrong in their life. When people are depressed they may go through a stage of "It's all about me" and "why is this happening to me." But the truth is that other people are usually not doing things on purpose to make someone else miserable, they are usually too self-absorbed and are doing things to benefit themselves.

We on the other hand take this very personal. It is important to remember that it's not always about you. Sometimes people have other things going on in their life that prevent them from following through in the relationship that you are used to having with them. Think about others as you go about your day. Doing something small for someone else may in turn help you feel better about yourself. Depression During Life Transitions

2. Extraverted

It's important not to isolate yourself. Staying in your bed or alone in your house will get you nowhere but more depressed. Go to a coffee house, go to a bookstore, just being around people will make you feel more productive and give you more motivation. Don't be afraid to say hi to someone you don't know as you're walking past — a small smile can brighten your day. 

3. Conscientious

Be mindful of what you are doing. Be mindful of how you are feeling. Your thoughts are affecting your behavior. If you're aware that you've been sitting in the house for the past 36 hours doing nothing but laying in your bed, then perhaps that is affecting your mood. If your mindful of this then you'll be more conscientious of changing that behavior. Notice how it feels to smile; how it feels to frown. Be mindful of your breathing as you go about your day. Being mindful of what you are doing and how you are feeling will give you the skills that you need to be conscientious of how your day could be going better by making healthier choices. Mindfulness and The Art of Choice: Transform Your Life

4. Optimistic