5 Ways to Deal with Depression
Depression is a common medical condition that many people in the world struggle with. Unfortunately, it’s not something that goes away on its own. Lifestyle changes and seeking additional support are recommended to help reduce some of the signs and symptoms and begin the path toward healing again.
Here are 5 ways to deal with depression:
1. Take Care of Yourself
Depression has a way of affecting your day-to-day life negatively. It can cause you to alter your eating and sleeping habits and even creep into the relationships in your life. It’s important to take care of yourself, but even more so when you’re going through challenging times. Make sure you’re fueling your body properly with healthy and well-balanced meals to make yourself feel good from the inside out.
In addition to eating well, make sure you’re also drinking enough water and prioritizing your sleep. Depression can make it harder for someone to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. You should aim for a consistent sleep schedule each night to ensure proper rest and avoid oversleeping in the morning, which can worsen sleep problems at night.
2. Move Your Body
Taking care of yourself also means moving your body. Exercise is extremely beneficial for your physical health, but it also has positive benefits for your mental health and wellness as well. Exercise can help you naturally reduce stress and improve your overall mood. The good news is that moving your body for at least thirty minutes daily is all it takes to start seeing the benefits. You can move your body in ways that work for you, like going for a walk outside, hitting up your local gym, dancing around in your house, or giving your body a little TLC with stretching and yoga.
3. Focus on the Good
Depression can make you feel like you have a dark rain cloud circling you at all times. That cloud has a way of blocking out the light in your life. It can prevent you from seeing all of the good moments in your life and the good you can bring to others. Trying to focus on the good can help you see these things again. You can do this by writing in a journal about your day, making a gratitude list, or going out of your way to help others. Here are a few other ways that you can try to focus on the good in your life:
Check-in on your loved ones
Donate time, money, or goods
Give a compliment to a stranger
Smile
Volunteer
Write a thank you note
4. Lean on Your Loved Ones
Depression can make you feel like you’re completely alone. A lot of people who struggle with depression tend to self-isolate or withdraw from their loved ones. Avoid isolation, as it can lead to worsening signs and symptoms. It’s important when you’re feeling down to allow people in to help comfort you. Let your loved ones and support system be there for you just as you would be there for them during a similar situation. Let them know what you need from them so they can show up for you in the best way. You may be looking for a shoulder to cry on, someone to listen to your feelings, or someone to offer advice. Talking to someone can help you feel a little less alone, which can be extremely beneficial for you during this time.
5. Seek Additional Support
If you’re struggling with depression, you’re not alone. While lifestyle changes can help reduce some of those signs and symptoms, they aren’t a replacement for working with a trained and licensed mental health professional. Reaching out for help may seem scary, but we’re here for you. Contact us today to set up an initial consultation.
Read about our Depression Therapy in Washington DC and VA.