Depression can easily take over your life, leaving you feeling powerless and like no one cares. If you’re looking for ways to deal with depression, it’s important to understand that you’re not alone.
Depression is actually a common mental disorder by estimation 5% adults suffer from it.
Read on for some solid advice about managing depression and learn how to deal with it so it doesn’t become your whole life.
Red Flag Identification
Serious depression and, for some, can be fatal. It’s important to understand when your depression flares up before it gets out of hand.
If you have struggled with depression for some time, you may have identified certain behaviors that can act as warning signs. An obvious red flag is catastrophic thinking, which is when your mind begins to experience feelings of hopelessness.
Here are some other common red flags to look out for:
- Shows reckless behavior
- Very low energy
- Avoiding social interactions
- Find it difficult to complete everyday tasks
- Feeling agitated or irritated over minor issues
Stay Engaged
When figuring out how to deal with depression, one common theme is avoiding withdrawing from the activities you normally do and the people you usually spend time with.
Push yourself to maintain social connections so as not to sink into a deeper depression and not be alone with your thoughts.
Share a brisk walk, go to the movies, or just chat with a close friend over the phone and it might help lift your spirits.
Avoid Alcohol
When you’re feeling particularly down, alcohol may seem like the right choice, but there are many reasons why it should be avoided when you’re battling depression.
Drinking too much can increase symptoms of depression and alcohol can negatively interact with any medications you may be taking to treat your depression.
The good news is, it can work both ways. Many people feel lighter after reducing their alcohol consumption for just a few weeks.
Self care practice
One of the best ways to deal with depression is to know your limits and allow yourself to take time off when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Self-care can be different for everyone but in general, it’s about using all of your senses to recharge your body, mind, and spirit. This can involve:
- Make time to relax
- Regular practice
- Find time to be creative
- Connect with other people
Speak to a Therapist
You don’t have to go through all of this alone and if you need help dealing with depression, find a psychiatrist should be one of your first ports of call.
While you may feel uncomfortable talking about your darkest thoughts with a perfect stranger, a professional is trained to help identify the best way for you to successfully manage your depression.
Discover More Ways to Cope with Depression
Now that you have some starting points and learned how to deal with depression, it’s time to put this tool to work.
Visit our Health and Wellness section to find even more ways to deal with depression so it doesn’t take over your life.
