Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be challenging to deal with depression as it often feels like a heavy weight on our shoulders that we just can’t shake off. However, it is possible to manage depression through counseling and psychotherapy. Psychotherapists have seen how depression can be debilitating and in this blog post we will share with you some of the things you should avoid when dealing with depression.
Isolating Yourself From Others
When you are going through a depressive episode it’s easy to feel like you don’t want to be around other people. You may feel like you don’t have the energy to socialize or you might worry that you will bring others down. However, isolating yourself from others can exacerbate your feelings of depression. It’s essential to reach out to people you trust even if it’s just to have a conversation over the phone. Connecting with others can help you feel less alone and give you a sense of belonging.
Engaging in Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a common coping mechanism for people dealing with depression. However, self-medicating with drugs or alcohol can be harmful to your mental and physical health. Drugs and alcohol may provide a temporary escape from your feelings, but they can also intensify them and lead to addiction. If you are struggling with substance abuse, it’s important to seek professional help from a licensed counselor or therapist.
Dwelling on Negative Thoughts
Depression is often accompanied by negative thoughts, such as self-criticism, guilt, and hopelessness. While these thoughts may seem impossible to escape, dwelling on them can prolong your feelings of depression. Instead, try to challenge negative thoughts by asking yourself questions like, “Is this thought based on reality?” or “What evidence do I have to support this thought?” You can also practice mindfulness meditation, which can help you focus on the present moment and reduce rumination.
Avoiding Exercise and Healthy Habits
When you’re depressed, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy habits like sleeping too much, overeating, or neglecting self-care. However, engaging in regular exercise and healthy habits can improve your mood and energy levels. Exercise releases endorphins, which can boost your mood, and adopting healthy habits like eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and practicing self-care can give you a sense of control and foster self-compassion.
Neglecting Professional Help
Finally, one of the most important things to avoid when dealing with depression is neglecting professional help. Depression is a serious mental health condition that often requires professional counseling or therapy. A licensed psychotherapist can provide you with coping strategies, emotional support, and a safe space to process your feelings. They can also help you identify the root causes of your depression and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Dealing with depression can be challenging, but it’s possible to manage it with the right strategies and professional guidance. In this blog post, we have highlighted the things you should avoid when dealing with depression, including isolating yourself from others, engaging in substance abuse, dwelling on negative thoughts, neglecting exercise and healthy habits, and neglecting professional help. By avoiding these things and seeking professional help from a psychotherapist when needed, you can take important steps towards managing depression and improving your mental health.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Madeleine Satov, BAS (Hons), MACP (c), RP (Qualifying), or another Kitchener psychotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
