“It’s a whole lot more satisfying to reach for the stars, even if you end up landing only on the moon.” — Kermit the Frog
Depressive disorders can be draining and all-encompassing, affecting virtually every aspect of your life and your ability to carry out everyday activities. At times, it may be difficult to see that there is indeed sunshine behind all those clouds. The most effective step you can take to deal with depression symptoms is to know that you aren’t alone, and there is help available. In addition to seeking mental health counseling from the compassionate therapists at Let All Thrive, you can learn how to deal with depression here.
Connect With Others
Unfortunately, the nature of depressive disorders discourages reaching out for help. You might experience lethargy or feel a lack of engagement or interest in social activities, for example, or you might even feel guilty or ashamed of what you’re going through. Yet, reaching out to others is an important step for how to deal with depression.
If you’re having trouble being around people, you can start small. First, go out to a public place by yourself (like a coffee shop or a library) and simply let yourself be there for a while. Then, invite a friend or family member to go on a walk with you. You don’t have to talk about your symptoms right away if you don’t feel up to it yet. You could simply let them know that you’re going through a hard time and you’d appreciate their company.
Try to Get Some Exercise
Like social activities, exercise is often the last thing a person with depression wants to do. It may seem almost impossible to get out of bed in the morning, let alone hop on a treadmill. Yet, evidence suggests exercise can be effective at reducing depressive symptoms. For even more of an emotional lift, try to exercise outdoors on a nature trail.
Challenge Your Negative Thought Patterns
When you’re struggling with depression, your mind can be your own worst enemy. You may become trapped in a cycle of negative self-talk. You might convince yourself that you’re worthless, that no one likes you, that your career will never go anywhere—but these are nothing but lies your mind tells you when you’re depressed.
It can be tough to break out of this cycle (although our therapists can help). One way to start is by challenging those negative thoughts as soon as they arise, such as by taking a step back, thinking logically about the situation, and presenting counterarguments to yourself. Here’s an example:
- Negative You: “I never do anything right.”
- The Real You: “Really? Let’s think about that for a moment. Didn’t you support your little brother when your parents were going through a divorce? Didn’t you bring over meals for your friend who had a surgery last year?”
Sometimes, interrupting your negative thought patterns in such a way can allow you to achieve a clearer perspective.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Depressive disorders can have an isolating effect, but you don’t have to cope with your symptoms alone. Let All Thrive is here to help with compassionate counselors who apply evidence-based therapies. Book an in-person or telehealth appointment today and learn how to deal with depression effectively.
