How to Cope with Depression

Why Is Coping With Depression So Challenging?

Also known as depressive disorder, depression is a condition that negatively affects how you feel. It’s a mood disorder that is accompanied by a persistent loss of interest in things or the feeling of sadness. It is hard to deal with as it drains the victim’s energy, drive and hope, making it challenging to take the necessary steps to feel better. In some cases, the simple act of thinking about things that could make you feel better such as socialising or exercising can seem exhausting or impossible to do.

It is the Catch-22 rule of recovering from depression: things that help the most are those that prove the hardest to achieve. However, there’s a huge difference between something that is impossible to do and something that is hard to achieve. While recovering from this mood disorder is not easy or quick, you have more control than you realise, even if the condition is severe and seemingly persistent. The secret is to start small and gradually build from there. You may feel drained of energy, but if you draw on all your reserves, you should have sufficient to take a 15-minute walk around the walk or call a close friend. If you have limited mobility and reading this article you may be interested in seeing positions for limited mobility.

Taking the initial step is usually the hardest, but standing up to dance to your favourite song or going for a walk, for instance, is something you can achieve right now. Such small and simple tasks can significantly increase your mood and energy, for a period long enough to usher you into the next stage of recovery. The next entails something like planning to meet an old friend or preparing a meal that always boosts your mood. With these small, gradual and positive steps, you will soon get rid of the heavy fog that comes with depression and ultimately find yourself in a healthier, happier and more hopeful state.

One of the most effective ways to cope with depression is by reaching out and staying connected with your friends and loved ones. Seeking support plays a vital role in beating depression. It can be extremely hard to maintain a healthy view and keep the effort needed to overcome this disorder if you decide to go about it on your own. At the same time, the core nature of depression makes it challenging for most people to reach out for help and support. When you are depressed, you are likely to isolate and disconnect from close friends and family, which makes the condition even worse.

You might feel embarrassed, guilty of neglecting some relationships or even too exhausted to talk, but don’t give in. That is just the depression talking. Ensuring you’re constantly connected to close friends and participating in social activities can make all the difference in both your mood and outlook. Seeking help or support isn’t a sign of weakness, but a courageous one. Your friends and loved ones care about you and so, you won’t become a burden to them. And in case you do not feel you have someone to reach out to, it is never too late to make new friends who can support you.

When reaching out for support, connect with individuals who make you feel cared for and safe. The individual you talk to does not have to be able to fix your condition. They just need to be emotionally intelligent enough to be good listeners, who will listen compassionately without judging you. Also, avoid retreating into your shell and instead keep up with social activities.