Depression is a common and serious condition that affects millions of women around the world. It can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, and loneliness. It interferes with your daily activities, your relationships work, and your dreams. It makes you feel like giving up or sometimes ending your life.
But depression isn’t a life sentence. It is a treatable illness that can be overcome with the right help and support. You have the ability to break free from depression and live your best life.
How do we know this? Because we have seen it happen. Women who suffered from depression for years or even decades, turned their lives around and became happier and healthier.
Here are some of the steps that you can take to start beating depression today:
Accept your diagnosis.
Overcoming depression starts with acknowledging that you have it. Denying your condition will only make it worse. Face your situation head on and seek professional help. Depression is a serious illness that affects your brain chemistry, your thoughts, emotions, and your behavior. It’s not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It is not something that you can snap out of or cure by yourself. It is a medical condition that requires treatment, just like diabetes or asthma.
Explore your options.
The second step to overcoming depression is to explore the different options available for treating it. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for depression; what works for one person may not work for another. You need to find the option that suits you best, based on your preferences, needs, and goals. Some of the options include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.
Medication can help balance your mood and reduce your symptoms by affecting the chemicals in your brain that regulate your emotions. There are different types of medication for depression, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics. Each one has its own benefits and risks. You need to consult with your doctor before starting or stopping any medication, and follow their instructions carefully.
Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy that helps you understand yourself better, cope with your problems, change your negative patterns, and develop new skills. This type of therapy can complement medication by addressing the psychological and social aspects of depression that medication alone treat.
There are different types of psychotherapy available for people with depression, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), psychodynamic therapy, or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Each one has of these has its own approach and focus, but they all share the same goal: to help you heal from depression and live a more fulfilling life.
Medication and psychotherapy are not mutually exclusive; you can use both at the same time or switch between them as needed. Other options may help you cope with depression, like alternative therapies, self-help books, apps, or websites. The important thing is to find the option that works for you and stick with it.
Take care of yourself.
The third step to overcoming depression is to practice self-care on a daily basis. Self-care means taking care of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Doing things that make you feel good, healthy, and happy. Being kind to yourself and treating yourself with respect.
Things you can do daily to practice self care:
Eating well
Sleeping enough
Exercising
Relaxing
Have fun
Socializing with friends
Pursuing your hobbies
Express your creativity
Learning new things
Volunteering for a cause
Meditating
Praying
Anything that nourishes your body, mind and soul.
It may seem like a luxury or a waste of time for some women who may feel too tired or guilty to do anything for themselves. But it’s not selfish; it is essential and beneficial. It can help you cope with your depression by boosting your mood, energy, and self-esteem.
So if you are struggling with depression, take care of yourself daily. Don’t neglect your needs; they are important and valid. Don’t deprive yourself; you deserve to be happy and healthy.
Seek support.
The fourth step to overcoming depression is to seek support from others who care about you and understand what you’re going through. Support can come from many sources like family members, friends, colleagues, peers, mentors, counselors, doctors, therapists, support groups, or online communities. By having that extra support you feel a sense of emotional comfort and a sense of belonging.
Seeking support is not a sign of weakness or dependence; it is a sign of strength. It shows that you are willing to reach out for help. You are not alone in your struggle and there are people who care about you and want to help you.
Don’t isolate yourself or suffer in silence.
Isolation can only make your depression worse and increase your risk of suicide. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help; there is nothing wrong or shameful about needing or wanting help!!!
I’m here to tell you about our new community TechMae. We have a group dedicated to health and wellness- so feel free to share your story inside our community. A place where you won’t be judged.
And remember, if you are looking for a source of support for your depression seek a licensed professional. You can find lots of resources for mental health inside our app.
Remember, you don’t have to do this alone.