Everyone can start to feel somewhat down in the dumps when something bad has happened. However, if you find that you're feeling worse as time passes and that your feelings aren't particularly tied to a specific event, you may be in the throes of depression. Depression is difficult for many people to manage, so if you suspect this is something you're dealing with, consider these comfort and coping tips.
Avoid Toxic People
When you're depressed, social interactions are more important than ever. In fact, for some people the first sign of depression is that they don't want to talk with others. If you're still able to socialize, it's smart to avoid those who can be toxic. If you feel worse about yourself after seeing them or they always complain and remain negative, that can be uncomfortable and disruptive to your own mood. Stay near people who are positive, supportive and respectful of your feelings.
Ask for Help with Tasks
One terrible part of depression is that you aren't motivated or energized enough to follow through with simple life tasks. Showering, eating and getting dressed can be major challenges. Asking for help from relatives or friends can be beneficial. You may feel somewhat embarrassed that you need help with various aspects of your life, but being able to depend on others can give you the comfort and mental space to get through work and handling other important responsibilities. You might ask a relative if you can visit their home for dinner a few times a week or ask someone to help with your laundry, for example.
Compliment Yourself
An aspect of depression that isn't easy to handle is your own internal dialogue. You might feel like you can't do anything right or that you have no value, for instance. However, realize that's part of the depression. Look for ways to compliment yourself and try to speak highly of yourself when you can.
Seek Professional Treatment
You might think that you can work your way through this. You may have misconceptions about therapists and psychiatrists. However, one of the best things you can do to ease pernicious depression is to have someone professional help you. A therapist, counselor or psychiatrist can often help you see where your thinking can be corrected and recommend a clearer path forward. You can vent or ask questions and they will guide you as you begin recovering.
Your feelings may soon shift as a result of a commitment to taking action with these coping tips. Work on your improvement with a therapist and a solid depression treatment program. Contact places like Dr Kuris Counseling Centers to start searching for a therapist or counselor you're comfortable with.
Share17 March 2018
I suffered depression for much of my life, and I lived with it for years before seeking help. I visited a psychiatrist and received an antidepressant prescription along with a referral to a counselor. I filled my prescription, but I put off making an appointment with the counselor. The medication began to help, so I decided that I didn't need to see a counselor after all -- or so I thought at the time. After a couple of months of medication, a close friend of mine died of an illness. I then learned that even though the medication helped my depression, I still had not learned the coping skills I needed to deal with traumatic life experiences. That even motivated me to seek counseling, and it helped me immensely. I created this blog to remind others that medication can help when suffering with depression, but counseling is also extremely important.