Battling Depression
If you are struggling with depression, asking for help may seem impossible. You may feel like willpower alone should be enough to help you overcome your problems, or that asking for help will make you feel vulnerable and insecure. It can leave you feeling weak, incapable, alone, and isolated. However, asking for help can be a courageous step. Through counseling services in Florida, those who struggle with depression can find hope and healing.
Depression affects almost 300 million people worldwide. In the majority of cases, depression is treatable; however, many people who suffer from depression never receive treatment. In some communities, there is a stigma attached to seeking treatment for depression and other mental health issues. Still, many Americans are eager to move through their depression with the help of counseling services. Often, the people who seem the happiest are the people who have already sought help overcoming depression.
Common symptoms of depression include the following:
- Immutable sadness
- Irritability
- Isolation
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Frustration
- Trouble focusing
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Sleep issues
- Low self-esteem
Learn more about some strategies for coping with depression and how counseling services from a depression therapist can help.
1. Stay Connected to Others
For people suffering from depression, one of the most natural reactions is to shy away from social interaction. They might assume no one will understand, relate, listen, or care. People struggling with depression should seek out professional counseling services, which will help them understand how depression affects them. Reaching out to people and staying connected may require some advanced planning. However, staying connected to others is one of the most important things you can do.
2. Exercise
Getting in shape helps increase positive feelings and gives people a greater sense of self. Whether you’re walking your dog, going for a run, or doing yoga at home, exercising will help elevate your mood. Trying a new workout can help you discover something you love. Being outside in nature has also been proven to help people cope with depression. If you need to get motivated to run, download a workout playlist. If you’d rather walk, a podcast will help you be done before you know it. Exercise benefits both the mind and the body.
3. Intentional Mindfulness
A mindful person intentionally pays particular attention in a connected, non-judgemental way to the present moment. This may seem easy, but mindfulness is a skill that takes time and energy to develop. A mindful person is acutely aware of (but not obsessed with) the people around them and their own thoughts. A mindful approach can also help people climb out of depression. In many cases, it’s easier to achieve mindfulness if you’ve had some significant struggles in your life. Here are some strategies to help you stay mindful:
- Try to learn something from everyone you meet
- Seek counseling services and tell your therapist you’re interested in mindfulness
- Be thankful for every second and every convenience you have in your life
- Don’t live for others–live for yourself
- Spend time outside
- Let go of the things you can’t control
- Be aware of, but not consumed by your emotional reactions.
4. Talk with a Therapist
For some people, finding the right depression therapist can really make a difference in their mental health. Counseling services in the Palm Beach Gardens area can help you turn a corner and avoid some of depression’s significant side effects. If you struggle with depression, there is no reason to suffer when a therapist is ready to listen with psychiatric services as needed.
Contact Remedy Therapy today at 561.414.2607 to schedule your first appointment. It’s a decision you won’t regret.
