tips for coping with depression

If you’re looking for ways to improve your mental health, these 7 tips for dealing with depression could help you…

In the past year, due to the pandemic, psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression have increased. Here, we share 7 tips for coping with depression that we can implement on our own, but always with the primary assistance of a professional.

It is estimated that approximately 300 million people worldwide suffer from it, and it is the leading global cause of disability.

What is depression?

Before listing the tips for coping with depression, it’s worth mentioning what it is because it’s often only associated with a mood and not as a condition that needs to be addressed.

Depression, according to the World Health Organization, is a “common mental disorder characterized by the presence of sadness, anxiety, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth.” In addition to what was mentioned, there can also be symptoms such as sleep disturbances or changes in appetite, as well as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and a lack of motivation.

This condition is considered common; however, it can become a serious health issue when it is long-lasting and the severity ranges from moderate to severe.

On the other hand, the Mental Health America website shares that depression affects various aspects of our life. For example, in some cases, it can lead to desires to withdraw from our family, friends, work, and school.

Why do I have depression?

That’s a common question among people with this condition, as often there isn’t an apparent reason that justifies its development. However, the reasons for depression are often varied. For example, it can be triggered by experiencing an emotional or traumatic event in life. It can also occur during significant life changes such as migration, changes in communication, and difficulty integrating into a new culture or routine.

Nevertheless, some people can feel depressed without warning or justification. Depression can sometimes strike seemingly without a specific cause. In these cases, there are factors that could contribute, such as hormonal imbalances, side effects from certain medications, and family history, to name a few.

tips for coping with depression

These are the recommendations from the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom.

1. Stay in touch with your loved ones.

Having someone to talk to and share with is the key to good mental health.

2. Stay active.

There is evidence that exercise can help improve mood. You can always start with light activity, such as a 20-minute daily walk, and gradually increase it from there.

3. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

Excessive alcohol consumption could be related to the need to confront or conceal emotions that we are hesitant to express, but it doesn’t solve our problems and can even make us feel worse.

4. Face your fears.

If you feel like you’re starting to lose confidence in yourself, confront the situation that scares you so that it gradually becomes easier to be in it. Nothing is impossible.

5. Follow a healthy diet.
   
6. Establish a routine.
   
7. Seek professional help.

Always consult with a specialist who can provide guidance and with whom you feel comfortable discussing your feelings, emotions, and fears. Don’t be afraid to take that step. They know how to help you improve your mental health.

Do you know any other tips for dealing with depression?