Coping with Depression - HelpGuide.org (2024)

depression

When you’re depressed, you can’t just will yourself to “snap out of it.” But these coping strategies can help you deal with depression and put you on the road to recovery.

Coping with Depression - HelpGuide.org (1)

Why is dealing with depression so difficult?

Depression drains your energy, hope, and drive, making it difficult to take the steps that will help you to feel better. Sometimes, just thinking about the things you should do to feel better, like exercising or spending time with friends, can seem exhausting or impossible to put into action.

It’s the Catch-22 of depression recovery: The things that help the most are the things that are the most difficult to do. There is a big difference, however, between something that’s difficult and something that’s impossible. While recovering from depression isn’t quick or easy, you do have more control than you realize—even if your depression is severe and stubbornly persistent. The key is to start small and build from there. You may not have much energy, but by drawing on all your reserves, you should have enough to take a walk around the block or pick up the phone to call a loved one, for example.

Taking the first step is always the hardest. But going for a walk or getting up and dancing to your favorite music, for example, is something you can do right now. And it can substantially boost your mood and energy for several hours—long enough to put a second recovery step into action, such as preparing a mood-boosting meal or arranging to meet an old friend. By taking the following small but positive steps day by day, you’ll soon lift the heavy fog of depression and find yourself feeling happier, healthier, and more hopeful again.

Coping with depression tip 1: Reach out and stay connected

Getting support plays an essential role in overcoming depression. On your own, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy perspective and sustain the effort required to beat depression. At the same time, the very nature of depression makes it difficult to reach out for help. When you're depressed, the tendency is to withdraw and isolate so that connecting to even close family members and friends can be tough.

[Read: Helping Someone with Depression]

You may feel too exhausted to talk, ashamed at your situation, or guilty for neglecting certain relationships. But this is just the depression talking. Staying connected to other people and taking part in social activities will make a world of difference in your mood and outlook. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness and it won't mean you're a burden to others. Your loved ones care about you and want to help. And if you don't feel that you have anyone to turn to, it's never too late to build new friendships and improve your support network.

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How to reach out for depression support

Look for support from people who make you feel safe and cared for. The person you talk to doesn't have to be able to fix you; they just need to be a good listener—someone who'll listen attentively and compassionately without being distracted or judging you.

Make face-time a priority. Phone calls, social media, and texting are great ways to stay in touch, but they don't replace good old-fashioned in-person quality time. The simple act of talking to someone face to face about how you feel can play a big role in relieving depression and keeping it away.

Try to keep up with social activities even if you don't feel like it. Often when you're depressed, it feels more comfortable to retreat into your shell, but being around other people will make you feel less depressed.

Find ways to support others. It's nice to receive support, but research shows you get an even bigger mood boost from providing support yourself. So find ways—both big and small—to help others: volunteer, be a listening ear for a friend, do something nice for somebody.

Care for a pet. While nothing can replace the human connection, pets can bring joy and companionship into your life and help you feel less isolated. Caring for a pet can also get you outside of yourself and give you a sense of being needed—both powerful antidotes to depression.

Join a support group for depression. Being with others dealing with depression can go a long way in reducing your sense of isolation. You can also encourage each other, give and receive advice on how to cope, and share your experiences.

10 tips for staying connected

  1. Talk to one person about your feelings.
  2. Help someone else by volunteering.
  3. Have lunch or coffee with a friend.
  4. Ask a loved one to check in with you regularly.
  5. Accompany someone to the movies, a concert, or a small get-together.
  6. Call or email an old friend.
  7. Go for a walk with a workout buddy.
  8. Schedule a weekly dinner date.
  9. Meet new people by taking a class or joining a club.
  10. Confide in a clergy member, teacher, or sports coach.

Tip 2: Do things that make you feel good

In order to overcome depression, you have to do things that relax and energize you. This includes following a healthy lifestyle, learning how to better manage stress, setting limits on what you're able to do, and scheduling fun activities into your day.

Do things you enjoy (or used to)

While you can't force yourself to have fun or experience pleasure, you can push yourself to do things, even when you don't feel like it. You might be surprised at how much better you feel once you're out in the world. Even if your depression doesn't lift immediately, you'll gradually feel more upbeat and energetic as you make time for fun activities.

Pick up a former hobby or a sport you used to like. Express yourself creatively through music, art, or writing. Go out with friends. Take a day trip to a museum, the mountains, or the ballpark.

Support your health

Aim for eight hours of sleep. Depression typically involves sleep problems; whether you're sleeping too little or too much, your mood suffers. Get on a better sleep schedule by learning healthy sleep habits.

Keep stress in check. Not only does stress prolong and worsen depression, but it can also trigger it. Figure out all the things in your life that stress you out, such as work overload, money problems, or unsupportive relationships, and find ways to relieve the pressure and regain control.

Practice relaxation techniques. A daily relaxation practice can help relieve symptoms of depression, reduce stress, and boost feelings of joy and well-being. Try yoga, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation.

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Develop a "wellness toolbox" to deal with depression

Come up with a list of things that you can do for a quick mood boost. The more “tools” for coping with depression you have, the better. Try and implement a few of these ideas each day, even if you're feeling good.

  1. Spend some time in nature.
  2. List what you like about yourself.
  3. Read a good book.
  4. Watch a funny movie or TV show.
  5. Take a long, hot bath.
  6. Take care of a few small tasks.
  7. Play with a pet.
  8. Talk to friends or family face-to-face.
  9. Listen to music.
  10. Do something spontaneous.

Tip 3: Get moving

When you're depressed, just getting out of bed can seem like a daunting task, let alone working out! But exercise is a powerful depression fighter—and one of the most important tools in your recovery arsenal. Research shows that regular exercise can be as effective as medication for relieving depression symptoms. It also helps prevent relapse once you're well.

To get the most benefit, aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This doesn't have to be all at once—and it's okay to start small. A 10-minute walk can improve your mood for two hours.

Exercise is something you can do right now to boost your mood

Your fatigue will improve if you stick with it. Starting to exercise can be difficult when you're depressed and feeling exhausted. But research shows that your energy levels will improve if you keep with it. Exercise will help you to feel energized and less fatigued, not more.

Find exercises that are continuous and rhythmic. The most benefits for depression come from rhythmic exercise—such as walking, weight training, swimming, martial arts, or dancing—where you move both your arms and legs.

Add a mindfulness element, especially if your depression is rooted in unresolved trauma or fed by obsessive, negative thoughts. Focus on how your body feels as you move—such as the sensation of your feet hitting the ground, or the feeling of the wind on your skin, or the rhythm of your breathing.

Pair up with an exercise partner. Not only does working out with others enable you to spend time socializing, it can also help to keep you motivated. Try joining a running club, taking a water aerobics or dance class, seeking out tennis partners, or enrolling in a soccer or volleyball league.

Take a dog for a walk. If you don't own a dog, you can volunteer to walk homeless dogs for an animal shelter or rescue group. You'll not only be helping yourself but also be helping to socialize and exercise the dogs, making them more adoptable.

Tip 4: Eat a healthy, depression-fighting diet

What you eat has a direct impact on the way you feel. Reduce your intake of foods that can adversely affect your brain and mood, such as caffeine, alcohol, trans fats, and foods with high levels of chemical preservatives or hormones (such as certain meats).

Don't skip meals. Going too long between meals can make you feel irritable and tired, so aim to eat something at least every three to four hours.

Minimize sugar and refined carbs. You may crave sugary snacks, baked goods, or comfort foods such as pasta or French fries, but these “feel-good” foods quickly lead to a crash in mood and energy. Aim to cut out as much of these foods as possible.

Boost your B vitamins. Deficiencies in B vitamins such as folic acid and B-12 can trigger depression. To get more, take a B-complex vitamin supplement or eat more citrus fruit, leafy greens, beans, chicken, and eggs.

Boost your mood with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids play an essential role in stabilizing mood. The best sources are fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, tuna, and some cold-water fish oil supplements.

Tip 5: Get a daily dose of sunlight

Sunlight can help boost serotonin levels and improve your mood. Whenever possible, get outside during daylight hours and expose yourself to the sun for at least 15 minutes a day. Remove sunglasses (but never stare directly at the sun) and use sunscreen as needed.

  • Take a walk on your lunch break, have your coffee outside, enjoy an al fresco meal, or spend time gardening.
  • Double up on the benefits of sunlight by exercising outside. Try hiking, walking in a local park, or playing golf or tennis with a friend.
  • Increase the amount of natural light in your home and workplace by opening blinds and drapes and sitting near windows.
  • If you live somewhere with little winter sunshine, try using a light therapy box.

Dealing with the winter blues

For some people, the reduced daylight hours of winter lead to a form of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD can make you feel like a completely different person to who you are in the summer: hopeless, sad, tense, or stressed, with no interest in friends or activities you normally love. No matter how hopeless you feel, though, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your mood stable throughout the year.

Tip 6: Challenge negative thinking

Do you feel like you're powerless or weak? That bad things happen and there's not much you can do about it? That your situation is hopeless? Depression puts a negative spin on everything, including the way you see yourself and your expectations for the future.

[Read: How to Stop Worrying]

When these types of thoughts overwhelm you, it's important to remember that this is a symptom of your depression and these irrational, pessimistic attitudes—known as cognitive distortions—aren't realistic. When you really examine them they don't hold up. But even so, they can be tough to give up. You can't break out of this pessimistic mind frame by telling yourself to “just think positive.” Often, it's part of a lifelong pattern of thinking that's become so automatic you're not even completely aware of it. Rather, the trick is to identify the type of negative thoughts that are fueling your depression, and replace them with a more balanced way of thinking.

Negative, unrealistic ways of thinking that fuel depression

All-or-nothing thinking. Looking at things in black-or-white categories, with no middle ground (“If everything is not perfect, I'm a total failure.”)

Overgeneralization. Generalizing from a single negative experience, expecting it to hold true forever (“I had a bad date, I'll never find anyone.”)

The mental filter – Ignoring positive events and focusing on the negative. Noticing the one thing that went wrong, rather than all the things that went right. (“I got the last question on the test wrong. I’m an idiot.”)

Diminishing the positive. Coming up with reasons why positive events don't count (“She said she had a good time on our date, but I think she was just being nice.”)

Jumping to conclusions. Making negative interpretations without actual evidence. You act like a mind reader (“He must think I'm pathetic”) or a fortune teller (“I'll be stuck in this dead-end job forever.”)

Emotional reasoning. Believing that the way you feel reflects reality (“I feel like such a loser. Everyone must be laughing at me!”)

‘Shoulds' and ‘should-nots.' Holding yourself to a strict list of what you should and shouldn't do, and beating yourself up if you don't live up to your rules. (“I should never have interviewed for that job. I'm an idiot for thinking I could get it.”)

Labeling. Classifying yourself based on mistakes and perceived shortcomings (“I'm a failure; an idiot; a loser.”)

Put your thoughts on the witness stand

Once you identify the destructive thoughts patterns that contribute to your depression, you can start to challenge them with questions such as:

  • “What's the evidence that this thought is true? Not true?”
  • “What would I tell a friend who had this thought?”
  • “Is there another way of looking at the situation or an alternate explanation?”
  • “How might I look at this situation if I didn't have depression?”

As you cross-examine your negative thoughts, you may be surprised at how quickly they crumble. In the process, you'll develop a more balanced perspective and help to relieve your depression.

When to get professional help for depression

If you've taken self-help steps and made positive lifestyle changes and still find your depression getting worse, seek professional help. Needing additional help doesn't mean you're weak. Sometimes the negative thinking in depression can make you feel like you're a lost cause, but depression can be treated and you can feel better!

Don't forget about these self-help tips, though. Even if you're receiving professional help, these tips can be part of your treatment plan, speeding your recovery and preventing depression from returning.

Authors: Melinda Smith, M.A., Lawrence Robinson, and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D.

    Get more help

    What Causes Depression? – Including genes, temperament, stressful life events, and medical issues. (Harvard Health Publishing)

    Depression: Back from the Bluez – Self-help modules for coping with and recovering from depression. (Center for Clinical Interventions)

    How Depression Causes Negative ‘Spin' – Learn about common cognitive distortions and how to change them. (clinical-depression.co.uk)

    Depression hotlines, suicide prevention help

    Depression hotlines

    In the U.S.: FindDBSA Chapters/Support Groupsor call theNAMI Helplinefor support and referrals at 1-800-950-6264

    UK: FindDepression support groupsin-person and online or call theMind Infolineat 0300 123 3393

    Australia: Call theSANE Help Centre at 1800 18 7263

    India:Call the Vandrevala FoundationHelpline (India)at 1860 2662 345 or 1800 2333 330

    Canada: CallMood Disorders Society of Canadaat 519-824-5565

    Suicide prevention help

    In the U.S.: Call988 Suicide and Crisis Lifelineat 988

    UK and Ireland: CallSamaritans UKat 116 123

    Australia: CallLifeline Australiaat 13 11 14

    Other countries: VisitIASPorSuicide.orgto find a helpline near you

    Around the web

    Last updated: October 13, 2022

    Coping with Depression - HelpGuide.org (2024)

    FAQs

    What are three strategies for coping with depression? ›

    Try these coping strategies if you're feeling depressed.
    • Stay in touch. Don't withdraw from life. ...
    • Be more active. Take up some form of exercise. ...
    • Face your fears. Don't avoid the things you find difficult. ...
    • Don't drink too much alcohol. For some people, alcohol can become a problem. ...
    • Try to eat a healthy diet. ...
    • Have a routine.

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    There are many different conceptualizations of coping strategies, but the five general types of coping strategies are problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, social support, religious coping, and meaning making.

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    As you start to feel better, you can add more challenging daily goals.
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    Is depression a lifestyle disease? ›

    Depression is a chronic disabling lifestyle disease. There are several types of depressive disorders with symptoms ranging from mild, moderate to severe. The causes for depression may be genetic or environmental.

    What might happen if a person goes on with a negative lifestyle? ›

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    Substances frequently abused include: Alcohol. Marijuana. Prescription medicines, such as pain pills, stimulants, or anxiety pills.

    Which drugs can cause mental illness? ›

    What Drugs Can Trigger Mental Illness?
    Substances That Can Trigger Mental Illness
    DepressionBenzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Valium Psychostimulants, such as Ritalin, cocaine, Adderall, and other amphetamines Alcohol Hallucinogens Opioids, including prescription drugs
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    Healthy Coping Mechanisms and Tools
    • Meditating.
    • Stretching.
    • Engaging in progressive muscle relaxation.
    • Listening to music.
    • Aerobic exercise.
    • Watching television.
    • Going to the movies.
    • Reading.
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    Top 10 Coping Skills
    • Deep Breathing. Often when faced with a stressful situation or feeling, our breathing changes. ...
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    Alcohol abuse can cause signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychosis, and antisocial behavior, both during intoxication and during withdrawal. At times, these symptoms and signs cluster, last for weeks, and mimic frank psychiatric disorders (i.e., are alcohol–induced syndromes).

    What are the five symptoms of an alcoholic? ›

    Some of the most common symptoms of alcohol abuse are:
    • Experiencing temporary blackouts or short-term memory loss.
    • Exhibiting signs of irritability and extreme mood swings.
    • Making excuses for drinking such as to relax, deal with stress or feel normal.
    • Choosing drinking over other responsibilities and obligations.
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    What is the number 1 mental illness in the world? ›

    Impacting an estimated 300 million people, depression is the most-common mental disorder and generally affects women more often than men.

    What mental illness gets worse with age? ›

    For example, anxiety and depression can sometimes increase with age. People with schizophrenia have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. A 2019 review suggests that this risk is higher in younger people who have been recently diagnosed.

    What is the most treatable mental illness? ›

    Depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders. Between 80% and 90% percent of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment. Almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms.

    Why do patients disengage? ›

    Disengagement from treatment may reflect the consumer's perspective that treatment is not necessary, is not meeting their needs, or is not being provided in a collaborative manner.

    How do most people cope with depression? ›

    Practice positive thinking by focusing your thoughts on your best qualities. You can also make lifestyle changes that can improve your self-esteem, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and spending time with friends who make you feel good about who you are.

    What are some good coping skills? ›

    Good Coping Skills
    • Practicing meditation and relaxation techniques;
    • Having time to yourself;
    • Engaging in physical activity or exercise;
    • Reading;
    • Spending time with friends;
    • Finding humor;
    • Spending time on your hobbies;
    • Engaging in spirituality;

    What are some stress coping strategies? ›

    Eat healthy, exercise, get plenty of sleep, and give yourself a break if you feel stressed out.
    ...
    Take care of your body.
    • Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
    • Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
    • Exercise regularly.
    • Get plenty of sleep.
    • Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.

    What interventions are good for depression? ›

    Depression Treatments for Adults
    • Behavioral Therapy. ...
    • Cognitive Therapy. ...
    • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) ...
    • Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) ...
    • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) ...
    • Psychodynamic Therapy. ...
    • Supportive Therapy. ...
    • Medications.

    How do you challenge negative thoughts? ›

    5 Ways to Challenge Negative Thoughts
    1. 1) Understand Your Thought Patterns. There are many different types of negative thinking patterns we might use. ...
    2. 2) Practice Mindfulness. ...
    3. 3) Start a Thought Diary. ...
    4. 4) Focus on Gratitude. ...
    5. 5) Seek Professional Help. ...
    6. Other Helpful Articles.
    Feb 11, 2021

    How long do most depressive episodes last? ›

    A: The duration of a depressive episode varies and is influenced by its severity, as well as treatment and individual factors. However, the average length of a depressive episode is thought to be six to eight months.

    What are coping mechanisms? ›

    an adaptation to environmental stress that is based on conscious or unconscious choice and that enhances control over behavior or gives psychological comfort.

    What are the 4 healthy ways to cope with emotions? ›

    7 Emotion-Focused Coping Techniques for Uncertain Times
    • Benefits.
    • Meditation.
    • Journaling.
    • Positive thinking.
    • Forgiveness.
    • Reframing.
    • Talking.
    • Therapy.
    Apr 21, 2020

    What are 3 examples of healthy coping strategies? ›

    Take brief rest periods during the day to relax. Take vacations away from home and work. Engage in pleasurable or fun activities every day. Practice relaxation exercises such as yoga, prayer, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation.

    What is a healthy coping strategy? ›

    Examples of healthy coping skills include: Establishing and maintaining boundaries. Practicing relaxation strategies such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness. Getting regular physical activity.

    Which factors improve coping? ›

    Factors That Improve Coping

    Some important factors that influence coping are social support, optimism, and perceived control: Social support: Many studies show that having good social support correlates with better physical and mental health.

    What are two positive coping strategies? ›

    Taking care of yourself – getting enough sleep, eating well, being physically active, making time for activities that you enjoy, and avoiding the overuse of alcohol and or “recreational” drugs – will improve your ability to tolerate stress better and recover from stress.

    Which form of therapy is most effective for major depression? ›

    Studies have shown that cognitive therapy is an effective treatment for depression and is comparable in effectiveness to antidepressants and interpersonal or psychodynamic therapy. The combination of cognitive therapy and antidepressants has been shown to effectively manage severe or chronic depression.

    What is the most common symptom of depressive disorders? ›

    While each person may experience symptoms differently, these are the most common symptoms of depression:
    • Lasting sad, anxious, or “empty” mood.
    • Loss of interest in almost all activities.
    • Appetite and weight changes.
    • Changes in sleep patterns, such as inability to sleep or sleeping too much.

    How do I start an intervention for depression? ›

    If someone you know is showing signs of depression, it may be time for you to intervene.
    ...
    Suicide prevention
    1. Call 911 or your local emergency number.
    2. Stay with the person until help arrives.
    3. Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm.
    4. Listen, but don't judge, argue, threaten, or yell.

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