7. Go for therapy and take medications
Once you have seen a mental health professional or therapist, make sure you follow their advice and go through the necessary therapy sessions and take proper medication. Talk to your therapist openly and honestly despite how difficult it may be. Depression can be effectively treated with therapy, medication, exercise, meditation, healthy diet and other lifestyle changes. So there is nothing for you to be ashamed of. Treatment can help you a great deal in healing yourself and becoming your older, happier self.
Therapy can help. Read Untreated Depression Can Change the Brain Over Time – Study Says
8. Join a support group
Even when you are taking medication, things can get worse at times. Ask your therapist to refer to a support group where different people with depression come together to share their challenges and progresses.
A support group is a great platform to talk about depression with people who are experiencing the same thing and provide mutual support. This can help you stay on the path of recovery and get better even when you may not feel like it.
Don’t think, just ask
In an article, Dr. Chris Iliades, MD explains, “Asking for help with depression takes courage, but acknowledging your condition and finding ways to cope with the symptoms will help you regain control. Depression is not something you can tackle on your own, but the good news is that you don’t have to. There are many people who can help you cope with your depression – from doctors and mental health professionals to friends and loved ones. They can help you get better. All you need to do is ask.”
According to Chris, here are a few other ways you can seek help with depression from your friends and family:
- Ask them to listen when you need to talk
- Ask them to give you company when you feel alone and lonely
- Ask them to remind you to take care of yourself, like eating and sleeping properly
- Ask them to prevent you from taking alcohol or drugs
- Ask them to to help you and be supportive and patient
- Immediately ask for help if you feel suicidal or want to hurt yourself
Start the healing process. Read 36 Most Relaxing Songs For Anxiety, Stress And Depression
Associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences Vineeth John, MD, believes “Having someone to help keep track of medications and other treatments is just one of the important roles a family member or close friend can play.”
Depression is treatable
Seeking help does not make you look weak. You can implement a number of self-help strategies to cope with your depression. But you also need to get help with depression, go for therapy and take medications for complete recovery.
If you ask someone for help, they will not feel burdened. If a friend asked you to help them with their depression what would you do? Your friends and family would feel the same way. Our loved ones would be glad we asked for help and they would love to help us. Your loved ones would love to help you.
Do not be ashamed about reaching out for help with depression. Asking for help is the strongest thing you can do right now.
Don’t isolate yourself
Go ahead and talk to someone you trust.
Do you know someone with depression? Read How To Help Your Partner (And Yourself) Overcome Depression
Here’s an interesting video that you may find helpful:
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