“Am I depressed?” This is the question that sad people may ask themselves when they feel at loss as to what they can do about it. Sadness, however, is a normal feeling. Even overwhelming sadness is standard to someone who has just experienced the death of a loved one. Sadness though becomes abnormal when it comes out of the blue and the person can’t really explain the reason for his despair. “Am I depressed?” then becomes an inquiry that signifies that it may be crucial for an individual to see a doctor who has the authority to address his concerns. Some of the things that doctors may say about depression are as follows:

• Characteristics of depression include persistent feelings of inadequacy, a low mood and a general loss of interest in pleasurable things. People who are troubled by the disorder don’t necessarily ask themselves “Am I depressed?” but because they may not understand how they feel, it’s possible for them to not know what they should do about it. It’s important for those around them to help them by communicating and bringing to their attention the availability of health services for their distress.

• Some of the factors that affect depression are negative thinking and low self-esteem. Because of this, there are mental health facets that try to encourage individuals who may be on the verge of depression to engage in self-esteem activities that can boost this aspect of their personalities.

But what are self-esteem activities?

• Self-esteem activities are processes that intend to boost an individual’s perception of his worth. In a clinical sense, this could be Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy wherein irrational thoughts are analyzed and reconstructed into more rational ones. For instance, someone who sees himself as inferior could be asked to make a list of his reasons for such thinking, explore their root and to engage in a behavior that would challenge these negative thoughts.

• Social Support in some way can be considered as a self-esteem activity that includes family and friends. Notwithstanding the fact that there are people who are very critical of others, there are also those who are not like them. The warmth, affection, love and understanding from these individuals may encourage those who may be depressed to feel that they are worthy of love and of life.

• Play therapy may help improve the self-esteem of children who are depressed. Play therapy allows them to become aware of their capacities and their concerns which may eventually lead to better self-esteem. For example, in the play process a child may be asked to give a clay model of Mr. Potato Head various expressions. The child may consistently give the toy a sad face. The reasons for the sad face could then be explored by the child and the counselor thereby resolving the child’s issues.

The above are only few of the many things that people could do in order to lessen depression, build self-esteem or self confidence and increase motivation to live.

I walked in on Dino doing the craziest thing I have ever seen—saying HI to the sun! When Dino caught me staring at him aghast, he blurted out, “What? This is my self-esteem activity for the day!”

I would have thought Dino was just getting in touch with his schizophrenic tendencies. But when Dino began explaining to me about his so-called self esteem activities, I began to think that maybe I am the one with schizophrenic tendencies for not knowing about them. According to Dino, self esteem activities are simple activities that help individuals build self-esteem in just an hour a day. They help reaffirm one’s worth and increase self-confidence. Here are a few daily activities Dino sneaks in his everyday schedule to help him boost his self-esteem:

• Write down five things you’re good at and tack it on the ceiling. Give at least five minutes to read the words before starting the day.

• Keep a thought for a day calendar – you get a mouthful of uplifting messages along with your daily dosage of caffeine.

• Have an inspirational or self-help book handy in your bag or car when you go nuts over waiting in line, traffic, or being in an elevator.

• Be a singing sensation—in the bathroom! Choose a song that describes what you want in life and belt it out in the shower. This releases endorphins and helps in blood circulation.

• Set aside an hour during the weekends to accomplish small tasks such as planting flowers.

• Make your bathroom mirror a collage of affirmations! So every time you brush your teeth, you can look in the mirror and repeat three things you like about yourself!

• Capture moments and preserve them for a lifetime by keeping a journal.

• Smile—it’s not as hard and it won’t cost you a penny.

• Take time to do things you enjoy but also learn something new.

• Have a sense of humor! Jokes literally litter everywhere! Do everyone a favor and pick them up!

• Do silly things—and do them one more time!

• Let your creativity flow—write a poem, paint a picture, do a sculpture.

• Think of somebody you love.

• Clean your bathroom. Remodel your room.

• Make some lists: 20 things you know how to do, 5 great achievements in your life, 10 strengths you have, etc.

• Talk to people. Someone under age 6—it’s fun. Talk to someone over age 70—it’s full of wisdom.

• Have, or better yet, give a massage! Personal touch can give you wonders!

How do you gain self-esteem for free? Simply have fun and do the things you enjoy the most. You don’t need money nor do you need to be a genius to build self-esteem. Appreciating and doing the tiny tasks (and even just a little “me” time) will create the happiness you are searching for. Self esteem activities can help you love your self, love others, and love life.