Depression is a condition that is frequently misunderstood. Many times, people who have never experienced it mistake depression for sadness. But the fact is that you don’t even have to be sad to be depressed. And those suffering from the condition often find it difficult to trace their feelings back to a root cause.
To help clarify, depression is a mood disorder that can manifest in a number of ways, including, but not limited to anger, loss, or sadness. Many do not experience crying jags or bouts of melancholy. Instead, depression is felt as an extreme feeling of lethargy and emptiness. The condition is not uncommon. An estimated 8.1% of adults are depressed—and this is likely to increase as a result of the current pandemic.
However you experience depression, there is no universal cure. Some recover from the condition, while others learn to live with it for the rest of their lives. A treatment may work for one person, yet have no effect on another. Therefore, managing your symptoms can be a process of trial and error. You may need to try several different options before you find one that works for you. What’s important is that you try to remain as patient and optimistic as possible.
To get you started, here are three options that can help to keep depression at bay.
Self-care
Depression can worsen when you have stress or worry in your life, so self-care is crucial. If you have a high-pressured job, consider speaking with your employer about your concerns and find a way to lighten your workload. Time management strategies are also beneficial to help create more relaxing downtime. Whenever you can, indulge in a bit of self-care to brighten your mood. This could include relaxing baths, exercise, a massage, or spending quality time with friends and family.
Therapy
Many people find that taking about their depression is an effective way of relieving their symptoms. Speak with your doctor about options for counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy. If this isn't possible, find a close friend or family member to share your concerns with instead.