Depression is a debilitating disease that can affect almost every facet of your life. By learning how to identify the symptoms of depression and cope with depression when your moods are at their lowest, you can pull out of the downward spiral. Here are some tips for recognizing and combating depression symptoms. Continue read this article how to identify and cope with depression.
Cope with Depression and Low Mood
1. Know the symptoms caused by depression. As opposed to “the blues,” depression is more than just a low mood. You may feel hopeless or worthless, and you may feel little interest in things that are usually pleasurable for you, including hobbies, socializing, sex, and eating. Depression can also manifest through physical symptoms, including aches and pains, headaches, or the desire to sleep much more or less than usual. Thoughts of suicide or suicidal idealization are severe symptoms that merit immediate medical attention.
2. Avoid wallowing in your misery when your moods are low. While you can’t help the way you feel, you can take steps to at least attempt to improve your mood. Visit a quiet, serene park or another place that you enjoy. Call a friend and ask him or her to tell you a funny story. Even if all you can muster is getting out of bed and getting dressed, you will probably feel better than you would by staying in bed.
3. Research options for treatment. Talk therapy, medications, and other treatments can all provide a vast improvement in your symptoms. If you are employed, you may have an employee assistance program available through your workplace that provides a limited number of counseling appointments–take advantage of it! If you are unsure where to go for help, contact your family doctor, a local church, a hospital, or even your local health department for resources and referrals to mental health care practitioners. While you may think that you can muster through on your own, counseling and/or medication can help you reach a place where your own coping skills are much more useful.
4. Cultivate a set of coping skills. From breathing techniques to writing exercises, there are a number of ways that you can cope with depression low moods, anxiety, and other depression symptoms. Research relaxation techniques online, or ask your therapist or doctor for advice and techniques you can use at home. You may also need to delegate tasks to others or take a bit of time off work to reduce your stress.
5. Use any social support that you have available. Understanding friends and family members can be wonderful resources of support and advice. You can also try visiting a support group for those suffering from depression. This allows you to share your experiences and coping tips while learning from the experiences of others. Social interaction in general can have a mood-lifting effect.
6. Identify and avoid triggering situations. If you notice that a situation or environment seems to worsen or “jump-start” your depression symptoms, try to avoid that trigger to the best of your ability. You may need to seek a new job, cut a toxic individual out of your life, or take another seemingly drastic step, but your mental health is worth it.
Recognizing that you are depressed is the first step toward getting better. Use these tips to identify symptoms of depression and learn to cope with depression your symptoms as you seek treatment.