Surveys reveal that 18% of adults are depressed or receiving treatment for depression. Dealing with depression can be a lifelong battle, so you must learn about overcoming depression and begin to build a healthy lifestyle. Keeping a positive perspective can be challenging, especially if you do not have a support system, but the path to recovery includes reaching out and getting professional help.
What Is Depression?
Depression or depressive disorder is not just feeling sad at one moment; it’s a chronic condition that makes it hard to connect with others and maintain daily activities. Depending on the situation, the symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe. Sometimes, people need immediate medical care if they have suicidal thoughts or harm themselves.
For most people, depression begins as a low mood that leads to losing interest in typical activities. If you usually enjoy spending time with friends, depression can cause you to isolate yourself and avoid being in large crowds. You can also suffer from insomnia and fatigue, making daily tasks impossible.
A few factors can contribute to depression, but it’s different for every individual. Genetic history of depression could increase the risk of this condition, while the brain’s biochemistry also plays a role. Environmental influences such as abuse, neglect, or poverty are also common among people that suffer from depression. The good news is various treatment plans can help people overcome these feelings.
Treatment to Help Depression
Depression is not something to feel ashamed about; reaching out to others with this condition can make it feel less overwhelming. The first step to getting the correct treatment for depression is to go to a medical professional. Antidepressants may be prescribed to address the imbalance in brain chemistry so people can get relief from symptoms. Even though antidepressants are great for easing people out of depressive episodes, they are not considered the best long-term treatment plan.
It’s essential for people suffering from depression to have several treatment options. When you receive treatment at a medical center, you have access to different professionals that can support you with psychotherapy and coping skills.
Navigating Your Way Through Depression
Getting medical help for depression is vital for building a sustainable lifestyle that gives you the support you need, but everyday things can make or break your mood. Getting better can feel impossible if you don’t have healthy habits and self-care rituals that give you space to reflect on your feelings. A great way to navigate depression is to move your body. Moving doesn’t mean you must go on hikes every day, but even small amounts of exercise can be beneficial. Exercise can be fun, like dancing or practicing yoga. Some studies show that dance therapy is effective in increasing serotonin levels in people who suffer from depression. So, putting on some music and moving your body is an excellent way to boost your mood.
Create a Wellness Box
Sometimes depression can cloud your mind and make everything seem dark and pointless. That’s why a wellness box can be helpful for those low moments. If you have a family member that suffers from depression or wants to find ways to practice self-care, this is a simple solution. The idea behind a wellness box is to collect several items such as books, drawing supplies, music, or anything else you enjoy doing in your free time and use them when symptoms increase. You can keep the box at home or gift it to someone seeking treatment for depression.
Here are some other ideas for items in a wellness box:
- Journal
- Games
- Sewing kit
- Blanket
- Bath bomb
When your mood starts to feel low, look at your wellness box and pick something calm to do. Research shows that most of us are on autopilot for much of the day. It’s tempting to look at social media or procrastinate by scrolling online when bored.
People that suffer from depression need to use hobbies and other skills to cope with the condition. Talking with a medical professional and attending group therapy can also be extremely healing for a depressive disorder. Our wellness center provides the right environment for you or a loved one to learn new coping skills.
Supportive Mental Health Treatment
At Comprehensive Wellness Centers, we know that mental health conditions like depression are not the same for every patient. When we meet patients, it’s essential to allow them to heal in their own time with the coping skills that help them best, and that’s why we offer a dual diagnostic approach, including individual and group psychotherapy and professional psychiatric care for all our patients. To be able to help yourself, you need to develop valuable techniques for dealing with complex emotions that come with depression.
We would love to tell you more about our facilities via our website or phone. Contact us to learn what the Comprehensive Wellness Centers can provide for your healing journey.
