Unit 1 Five Ways to Fight Depression

Ex. 1 Some sentences have been removed from the following text. Find the points where they fit.

If you feel depressed, it’s best to do something about it ‒ depression doesn’t just go away on its own. In addition to getting help from a doctor or therapist, here are 5 things you can do to feel better.

‒ Exercise. Take a 15- to 30-minute brisk walk every day ‒ or dance, Jog, or bike if you prefer. People who are depressed may not feel much like being active. 1 ___. Once you get in the exercise habit, it won't take long to notice a difference in your mood. In addition to getting aerobic exercise, some yoga poses can help relieve feelings of depression. 2 ___. Two other aspects of yoga ‒ breathing exercises and meditation ‒ can also help people with depression reel better.

‒ Nurture yourself with good nutrition. Depression can affect appetite. One person may not feel like eating at all, but another might overeat. 3 ___. Proper nutrition can influence a person’s mood and energy. So eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and get regular meals (even if you don’t feel hungry, try to eat something light, like a piece of fruit, to keep you going).

‒ Identify troubles, but don't dwell on them. Try to identify any situations that have contributed to your depression, when you know what’s got you feeling blue and why, talk about it with a caring friend. 4 ___. If there’s no one to tell, pouring your heart out to a journal works just as well. Once you air out these thoughts and feelings, turn your attention to something positive. 5 ___. Feeling connected to friends and family can help relieve depression. (It may also help them feel there’s something they can do instead of just watching you hurt.)

‒ Express yourself. With depression, a person’s creativity and sense of fun may seem blacked. 6 ___. Take time to play with a friend or a pet, or do something fun for yourself. Find something to laugh about ‒ a funny movie, perhaps. Laughter helps lighten your mood.

‒ Look on the bright side. Depression affects a person’s thoughts, making everything seem dismal, negative, and hopeless. If depression has you noticing only the negative, make an effort to notice the good things in life. 7 ___. Consider your strengths, gifts, or blessings. Most of all, don’t forget to be patient with yourself. Depression takes time to heal.

A. Talking is a way to release the feelings and to receive some understanding.

B. Try downward-facing dog or legs-up-the-wall pose (you can find these poses on websites).

C. If depression has affected your eating, you’ll need to be extra mindful of getting the right nourishment.

D. Try to notice one thing, then try to think of one more

E. Take action to solve problems. Ask for help if you need it.

G. By exercising your imagination (painting, drawing, doodling, sewing, writing, composing music, etc.) You not only get those creative juices flowing, you also loosen up some positive emotions.

F. But make yourself do it anyway (ask a friend to exercise with you if you need to be motivated).

Ex. 2 Find the words in the text that the following definitions refer to.

miserable, gloomy; suitable, appropriate; influence; limited; food; state of your feelings; help, support; think at length about smth; disappear; quick, energetic; sad, depressed; lessen or remove; make meaningless drawings; set free, liberate

Ex. 3 Are the following statements True or False. Support your answer with quotes from the text.

1. Depression is an incurable illness.

2. You can overcome depression if you exercise with a friend.

3. Meditation can be a way of fighting depression.

4. People suffering from depression are never overweight.

5. You should let go of your problems without identifying them.

6. Depression can cause problems in the family, too.

7. There is no need for doing any creative activities if you are depressed.

8. In a depressed person’s mind everything looks depressing.

Ex. 4 Role play: Follow the instructions and act out the following situation with A partner.

Student A: You have just read an article about how to fight depression. Your friend has been under the weather lately and you are worried that he/she might suffer from depression. Enquire about how he/she feels and give him/her advice on how to deal with the situation.

Student B: You have split up with your girl/boyfriend and since than you have been feeling depressed. You can’t eat, or sleep, you don’t go anywhere, and you are bored all the time. You think this is the end of the world. Your friend is worried about you and is trying to give you advice.

Ex. 5 You work for a teen magazine and you got a letter from a boy who is asking for your advice. He’s lost ten kilos in two weeks, given up his favourite sports activities, has very bad marks at school. His parents are always away and they don’t care about him. Write an advice letter to him.