Dealing with  Depression

What Is Depression?

Depression is a mental condition that typically hampers the well-being of a person. It is different from a temporary reaction to normal grief or dismay. There are different symptoms of depression. To diagnose chronic depression, it is essential to detect these symptoms first. Then, there is a need to know ways of overcoming this serious mental health condition.

In this article, we will learn about these significant symptoms and tips for overcoming chronic depression to lead a healthy and happy life.

 Symptoms of Depression

Depression is characterized as experiencing these five or more symptoms almost every day for two weeks or more.

• Irritable or depressed mood
• Sleep disorder
• Change in interests
• Lower unrealistic self-image
• Excessive guilt
• Low in energy
• Lack of concentration
• Lack of appetite or overeating
• Panic attacks
• Suicidal thoughts

Tips To Overcome Chronic Depression

1. Schedule Enjoyable Activities

You don’t always need to postpone activities to be in the right mood. Simply get engaged in activities with the correct attitude. In addition, practice gratitude and take your time out to find what went right today. Do not look more into things that went wrong. You can even keep a gratitude journal. Remember, it is not like you are offering discounts on your troubles while being grateful for the blessings. 

1. Live In The Present
2. This is a practice that is often termed being mindful. You must avoid self-judging yourself every time you engage in an activity. We understand it is challenging to avoid self-judgment altogether, but you can at least gently come back to live in the present moment.

1. Exercise and Check Your Diet

It is an excellent habit to moderate exercise for about 30 minutes five times a week. This can help you to lift your mood. When done in moderation, exercise can improve your physical and mental health.

Plus, keep an eye on what you eat. Remember, your eating habits can also influence your mood. Usually, people who tend to munch on junk, fried food, and energy drinks often feel depressed.

1. Stay with People who Motivates You

You should interact with people who bring you up and not down. While it is good to spend some alone time, maintaining a balance is required. Do not isolate yourself, or else depression will prevail.

1. Maintain a Regular Sleeping Schedule

Too much for anything is considered to be wrong. Likewise, it is not ideal to sleep too much or too little. The goal is to keep a balance in your regular sleep schedule. Staying up late at night and then excessively sleeping the next day is a quick way to nourish depression. Also, do not sit to solve your problems late at night when the brain is half-asleep.

There are sevral types of depression subsets, including:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Depression as a part of a major life Adjustment Disorder

Depression as a part of Bipolar Disorder

General feelings of depressed or low mood, hopelessness, tearfulness,  emptiness, lack of motivation, and/or suicidal thoughts, feelings, or behaviors

1. Clinical Therapy &Treatment

You may find it helpful to speak to a therapist about your depression or see your physician. Clinical Counselling may help to assess the symptoms and develop an individualized plan for your needs. This may include psychological therapies, anti-depression medications, etc.

Psychotherapy helps individuals with depression:

• Psychotherapy helps to understand the behaviors, emotions, and ideas contributing to their depressed state.
• It assists in identifying the life issues or events—like a significant life change, illness, a death, an employment loss, or a divorce—that contribute to their depression and helps them understand which issues of those concerns people may be able to resolve or do better.
• Regain a sense of confidence and peace in life.
• Psychotherapy helps to learn coping techniques and problem-solving skills to manage depression-causing problems.

What types of psychotherapy are used to treat depression?

Psychodynamic therapy
Interpersonal therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy

What will I get out of Depression treatment with Edmonton Counselling Services?

Depression can be treated with psychotherapy and often with the support of medical prescriptions. Untreated, this common condition can be very debilitating. If you are going through any of the symptoms of depression, it is advisable to set up an appointment with a therapist. Handing depression on your own could be complex. Therapy may be necessary to get better and deal with your condition. But when you get that support, you may find that life is more manageable.

During counselling you’ll have tools to cope with challenges, and you may find that you’re back to your old self.

Depression is a treatable mental health condition, so there is no need to grieve in silence. Follow the above tips and consult an experienced therapist if you experience symptoms of depression. It is with the proper treatment you can overcome depression.