Stress can be a trigger for depression, but there are many ways to fight its effects. With an arsenal of stress-busting tips, you can be on offensive rather than always defending yourself against what can sometimes feel like an ambush.
If you can, you should identify your stresses - make a list, give them names. Once you know your enemy - your stressors - you can make a plan for handling stresses before they handle you.
Keep away from the things that trigger your stress. If caffeine amps you up, avoid it. If you're overbooked, say "no" now and then. Be sure that when you're stressed out, you're keeping an eye on your overall health - try starting by looking at how and what you're eating when you're stressed. During stressful times some people overeat and some people don't eat enough.
Understand that stress can make you sick, change your mood, and make it so that you're less and less capable of dealing with… you got it… more stress! Check out ways to relax - like stretching or meditation - before stress sabotages your mind and body.