Depression is one of the most common emotional health disorders that people struggle with in the US. In fact, nearly 10% of adults are currently struggling with depression. Significantly more people report experiencing depression symptoms at some point in their lives. The good news is you’re not alone in your experience, and therapists have years of research and experience at their disposal to help you overcome the debilitating effects of depression. In this blog, we review just five of the many strategies we recommend for people dealing with depression.
1 – Connect with Family & Friends Regularly
Developing a support network of resources who you know you can rely on when you’re struggling is essential. If you know you’re feeling depressed, ask at least one person to check on you once twice a week in person. Phone calls and texts are great, but in person interactions are a great way to alleviate feelings of depression.
2 – Do the Activities You Usually Enjoy (Even if You Don’t Feel Like it)
One of the most difficult aspects of depression is the way it strips joy away from the activities we love. While you may not be getting the same feeling of happiness and enjoyment from your favorite activities, you should keep doing them. This is a form of depression treatment called behavioral activation. By continuing to do certain things even when we don’t have the same desire for them or experience the same level of joy, we are activating different parts of our brain and releasing hormones and physiological responses that alleviate depression symptoms.
3 – Go for a Walk
Similarly, going for a walk is a great option to relieve depression. It’s a simple way to get yourself up and moving even when depression makes you feel like staying in bed all day. Just take a quick walk around the block at least once a day. Do more when you can. This exercise can help you feel more grounded in the present, alleviating depression symptoms. Walking outdoors can be especially beneficial since you’ll get some fresh air and sunlight.
4 – Commit to Self-Care
A long soak in the bathtub or wearing face masks every night before bed are indulgent forms of self-care that that can help you relax, but the definition of true self-care is right there in the name – taking care of yourself! That’s it. Self-care can be small, simple daily tasks like taking a shower, eating nutrient-rich meals, drinking enough water, and getting enough sleep every day.
5 – Schedule a Therapy Session
Therapy is an essential resource for people struggling with depression. It gives you a regular place to talk through the way depression has impacted your life, develop new strategies for managing the effects of depression, and start feeling more like yourself again. When you’re ready to schedule a visit, the Cedar Counseling & Wellness team would love to hear from you. Get started by calling (443) 924-6344, emailing info@cedarcounselingandwellness.com, or filing out our scheduling request form.
