It is easy for us to forget that depression is more than just normal sadness. Sadness is a normal human emotion that we all need to feel from time to time as part of a normal human life. Depression is when these feelings of sadness go above and beyond and become debilitating and isolating.
Depression is not a condition that can be “cured” in the traditional manner of speaking, and it is not something a person can easily will themselves out of. That said, there is a myriad of ways a person can find relief from their symptoms.
Treating depression can be a daunting task due to the contradiction at its heart – the very things you must do to help yourself fight against your symptoms are many times the hardest things to do because of the way depression makes you feel.
Options for depression treatment range everywhere from baby steps to more overwhelming, but ultimately helpful, endeavors that can help you find relief from the symptoms of your condition.
What To Do When Depressed
Social Support
Depression tends to make a person socially withdraw, making you feel like you have to face everything completely on your own. It erodes your personal sense of objective reality and makes things seem more overwhelming than they really are. Depression puts significant strain on your personal and professional lives.
The first step in your journey to recovery is to reach out for support. This support can come in many forms: close friends, family, therapy, treatment, support groups, etc. The important part of this is learning that others can help you get better or at least support you along the way.
Do Something You Enjoy
This may sound obvious, but it’s not easy. Depression can make even your favorite hobbies and activities a chore. Your symptoms may get in the way of enjoying anything. Sometimes, the most therapeutic thing you can do is get out of your comfort zone for a little while.
If it gets too overwhelming, it’s ok to retreat to your comfort zone for a time. The goal of this is not to completely abandon your comfort zone. It’s about expanding your comfort zone until you can fit everything in the world into it.
Spending some time with hobbies and social activities can also reduce stress levels, which can strengthen your defenses against your depressive symptoms.
Support Your Physical Health
Mental health and physical health are closely linked to each other, and supporting your physical health can positively impact your mental health. You should try to get eight hours of sleep a night, eat well-balanced meals, and practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
Seek Out Treatment
There should be no shame for seeking treatment for any health condition, depression among them. No one else can really see the pain of suffering you are going through, so the only person who can really judge if you deserve treatment is yourself.
Depression treatment is entering an optimistic new age thanks to traditional treatments and innovative new techniques like ketamine infusion therapy alike. With the right treatment, you can find relief from your symptoms.
