Guide to overcoming depression. Hey everyone, I hope you are well. In today’s post, I will be talking about depression and sharing a guide to overcoming depression. We are going through a tough time right now, and I can only imagine what people are going through and how they handle it. From previous articles, it is clear that I have been through depression at some point, even if I come across as a strong woman. Most people don’t even know they are depressed until it is too late. When my daughter was still an infant, my social worker visited and asked me if everything was okay. I smiled and said, ‘Yes, everything is fine. She looked at me and said, ‘No, it’s not. Tell me what’s going on. Then, I found myself pouring my heart out to her about everything happening to me.
That was when it hit me that I was in the early stage of postnatal depression, and I never knew. Being stressed out and worried as a new young mother was normal. She explained that it’s not normal when it’s affecting your mental health, for example, lack of sleep and eating unhealthy. I decided to fight harder and start speaking positively about myself, playing with my daughter and practising self-care. However, there are other ways to tackle depression.
Guide To Overcoming Depression
Identifying Depression
Depression, like most mental illnesses, runs the continuum of severity. It can be mild or significant, it can last from weeks to months, and it can also involve anxiety symptoms. Depression is primarily characterized by sadness and loss of pleasure in nearly all activities. Additionally, there may be symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and psychomotor activity (changes in both mental and physical responsiveness and exercise).
A depressed person may struggle with feelings of low self-worth, recurrent thoughts of dying, and difficulty concentrating or making decisions. In children and adolescents, the mood is often manifested as irritability rather than sadness. Some people may deny having sorrow; instead, they may report feeling numb or having no feelings.
Taking Action
First, looking at how severely one’s functioning may be impaired is essential. Suppose the person’s level of functioning has been significantly damaged. In that case, if they are having difficulty performing their daily routine, seeking professional help and a quick trip to the family doctor to rule out any medical conditions that might be causing the mood disorder is an excellent place to start.
Second, assess whether any significant changes in circumstances, relationships, etc., contribute to the depression.
Third, if your loved one indicates they have a plan or intentions to harm themselves, take action immediately to get help. Call a mental health professional that you have been referred to by a reliable source, or check your phone book for community mental health services.
Don’t Wait – Get Help
One of the biggest reasons people do not seek help is the shame they feel about having a mental illness. The reality is that our minds are vulnerable to disease, just like our bodies. For example, many people currently have PTSD – check out the statistics on this via https://cfah.org/ptsd-
How Counseling Can Help
A counsellor can provide valuable assistance by offering insights into one’s illness, helping resolve issues contributing to depression, and guiding the development of effective coping strategies. However, in cases where depression’s severity warrants it, medication can also be considered a treatment option.
If you’re in Denver, Colorado, and need specialized assistance, discussing this with your counsellor is a wise move. They can potentially refer you to a psychiatrist who can prescribe and oversee the necessary medication. Knowing that relief is within reach for the challenges that burden our minds is essential. Seeking the wisdom, guidance, and counsel of professionals, such as a trauma therapist in Denver, Colorado, who are uniquely equipped to facilitate mental healing, is a prudent choice.
Times are hard right now, and we can only support each other by showing love one way or another. If you know someone who needs some support, please give it to them. It doesn’t have to be anything significant; it can be just a smile. Trust me, making someone smile will make the rest of the day much brighter.
I hope you enjoyed that.
Talk soon.
19 Comments
Loren Dietrich
Anxiety is hard. This is a wonderful honest post.
Puja Kumari
This time, a lot people are struggling from Depression. This is a perfect guide for them.
Sarah
Identifying you’re depressed and need help is huge.
Mamie
It is so important for us to continue to discussion around mental health and how we can help and get help.
Angeline
I love how you said someone shouldn’t wait to get professional help. This is so crucial for someone who has a worsening depression or might harmfully self medicate. Thank you!
Marjie Mare
Thanks for sharing this. So many are fighting this depression alone. This post is a great reminder that they are not alone and it is okay to seek help.
Preetjyot Kaur
This was a great read. There needs to be more awareness around this. It’s important to seek professional help right in time. Really appreciate your effort.
Felicia Tucker
Seek counseling! Yes. I went through a tough patch last spring and I finally gave in and saw a mental health specialist. It was one of the best decisions of my life. There is no shame in seeking help.
Forever Freckled Blog
These tips are truly amazing. Thank you for being open and sharing.
Margaret
I think many people are living with some form of depression and don’t realize it. Thank you for sharing your story.
Stephanie
Depression is very real and can be scary but with the right tools you can overcome it. Ive never personally struggled with it but have loved ones who have. Its not easy for anyone. Counseling is a huge one I advocate for!
Leah
Thank you for pointing out that sometimes a person “may report feeling numb or having no feelings at all.” It’s such an important sign and often overlooked. Such great advice. Thank you for sharing.
Jennifer Van Haitsma
These are great tips! Figuring out what’s going on and seeking help are so important. Thanks for being an advocate!
Alyssa Johnson
Tha I you so much for your vulnerability. I’m sure it was hard to fput this out there. It’s so important to demystify mental health to end the stigma. I’m proud of you for getting out of your comfort zone on this one. 🥰
Emily
I think it’s so great that you opened up to talk about this. Normalizing depression will help others to feel more comfortable seeking help when needed. Thank you for sharing!
Samantha Laycock
I remember calling my family Dr and bawling at 2 am because I suspected I had PPD. It is so hard to reach out for help when needed but it is truly the first step to help.
Ashley t
I can definitely relate. I have anxiety and it’s been a long road for me to admit it and get help for it.
Bri
I struggled with depression during infertility treatment. Totally relate to this. I tried to ignore it rather than identify it and face it. I have since come to terms with everything and wish I would have addressed it earlier.
Iris Findlay
I can relate so much to this post. I have bipolar, but I spend more time fighting depression than mania. I can’t even behin to describe the numbness and emptiness that comes with depression. I’m thankful for this post as a mental health advocate. Depression can effect anyone, especially in our current climate!