Depression is more than just sadness: it is a mental health condition that manifests as feelings of hopelessness and a loss of interest in doing things. It can be reflected in a person’s thinking, feelings, and behaviour. Depression makes everyday tasks difficult and discouraging.
The first step for someone who is depressed is to find help from a mental health professional, like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. They can conduct a thorough valuation to analyse a patient’s condition and craft an individualised treatment plan.
Psychotherapy is an essential part of depression treatment. Different types of therapies, like behavioural, interpersonal or psychodynamic therapy, can help depressed people identify negative thoughts and emotions and learn proper coping and management skills.
For depression ranging from moderate to severe, many medical facilities can recommend medication in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressant medications can help ease symptoms by rebalancing neurotransmitters in the brain.
It is very important to work with a healthcare provider to find the medicines and dosage that work best for you. Note that it might take some trial and error to find the most beneficial prescriptions.
Key changes for mental wellness
Lead a positive lifestyle
Positive changes, such as regular workouts, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy meals, can nurture your mental wellbeing.
Have a support system
A strong network of family, friends and groups can provide emotional balance and motivation in difficult times. Connecting with those who understand what you are going through, or who have similar thoughts or experiences, can help you process your own feelings.
Meanwhile, spending time with a supportive partner and seeking guidance from those you trust can offer a sense of belonging while nurturing your emotional wellbeing.
Love yourself
Be sure to take time out for yourself! Self-care activities can make you feel fulfilled and are essential to maintaining mental health. Try engaging in creative expression, reading or meditating, and spending time in nature.
Engage in structural behaviour
Relatedly, try to carry out meaningful activities to offset feelings of exhaustion and indifference commonly connected with depression – even if you don’t feel like it. For instance, art, music, or dance therapies can provide creative outlets for expressing yourself and emotional processing.
Build on your mental health
Techniques by therapists can help patients modify negative thought patterns that cause poor mental health and replace them with more positive ideation.
Develop a prevention plan with your mental health professional to help you identify starting points and develop healing strategies to prevent the re-emergence of symptoms.
Read more articles by Dennis Relojo-Howell here.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg and host of ‘The DRH Show’. Connect with him on X at @dennisr_howell.