You’re sitting in the dark, staring at the TV that’s playing your favorite episode of that comedy show. But you’re not really paying attention. You can see the characters and hear the dialogue, but it’s just a distraction. Your brain can’t connect. Motivation is a thing of the past. Crying spells seem to come out of nowhere. You feel yourself sinking deeper and deeper.
You’re asking yourself: What do I do?
Here are some ways to cope with your depression.
● Seek professional help: Reach out to a mental health professional such as a therapist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options. Please don’t wait. There are a lot of affordable options out there.
● Build a support system: Surround yourself with understanding and supportive individuals, whether it’s family, friends, or online support groups. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others can alleviate the burden and provide comfort.
● Practice self-care: Engage in activities that promote your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This can be exercise, yoga, meditation, being around people who care about you, and hobbies that you enjoy.
● Stick to a routine: Establishing a daily routine can provide structure and stability, which is especially important when dealing with depression.
● Set achievable goals: Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable goals. Accomplishing these goals can provide a sense of achievement and boost your self-esteem, even if they seem minor at first.
● Engage in pleasurable activities: Participate in activities that bring you joy or provide a sense of fulfillment. It can be something as simple as listening to music, reading a book, spending time in nature, or engaging in a creative outlet.
● Avoid isolation: Depression often leads to social withdrawal and isolation, which can worsen your symptoms. Make an effort to maintain social connections by scheduling regular outings or reaching out to friends and loved ones for support. These people care about you, don’t forget that. Maybe they also want to get out of the house and do something. You’re also helping them.
● Practice stress management: Identify and implement healthy coping strategies to manage stress. This can include techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, journaling, or engaging in relaxing activities such as taking baths or practicing yoga. Here are more healthy tips to cope with stress, according to the CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/about/copingwith-stresstips.html
● Consider medication if necessary: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage depressive symptoms. Consult with a psychiatrist to determine if medication is appropriate for your situation.
● Avoid self-medication: Resist the temptation to self-medicate with alcohol, drugs, or other substances, as they can worsen depression symptoms and create additional problems. Please be careful.
● Educate yourself: Learn more about depression, its causes, and available treatments. Understanding the condition can empower you to make informed decisions and engage more effectively in your treatment. And don’t forget, be patient and kind to yourself: Recovery can take time, and everyone’s journey is unique. Be patient with yourself and acknowledge that it's okay to have good and bad days. Treat yourself with kindness and self-compassion throughout the process.
If you need any more information, please contact us (call or text) at 813.439.7676, or email us at [email protected]. If you’d rather not talk on the phone or email, check out our social media. Links are below.