What Can One Do When Struggling With Depression?

Every year, during the first week of October, we observe Mental Illness Awareness Week – a time to shed light on the realities of living with mental health conditions. As part of this week, National Depression Screening Day serves as a timely reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health. Further, early detection of depression can lead to meaningful and life-changing support. 

If you are struggling with depression, or think you might be, you are not alone. Millions of people experience depression at some point in their lives. The good news is that help is available and treatment can work, but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. For practical, compassionate guidance for taking those first steps toward healing, please contact West Coast Recovery Centers today. 

Recognizing the Signs of Depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a rough week. It is a serious mental health condition that can impact one's mood, thoughts, and physical health. Though it can be daunting not knowing where to turn, one of the first steps is being able to recognize the signs. Common symptoms include: 

• Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness 
• Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns 
• Experiencing fatigue or lack of energy 
• Increasingly difficulties concentrating 
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt 
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide 

These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration. If you have been experiencing several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it is time to consider reaching out for help. 

Reach Out to Someone You Trust

Along with recognizing the signs, finding someone who can help you is crucial. Depression can make a person feel incredibly isolated. Reaching out to someone you trust, whether it be a friend, family member, or even a coworker, can make a significant difference. You do not need to have all the answers or explain everything perfectly to them. Simply sharing with someone that you have been feeling low and need some support can be the start of a life-changing conversation. 

Additionally, by doing this, you may even learn that someone you care about has had similar struggles. Being able to bond and share experiences can be mutually beneficial. Ultimately, just feeling a little less lonely and isolated is vital when trying to manage and heal from depression. 

Seek Professional Help

Next, in conjunction with finding a trusted confidant, you may consider seeking professional help. That may include meeting with a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. Before even taking that step, we might start by explaining things to your primary care physician, who can then refer you to a reputable professional.

In any event, these trained experts can help you understand what is going on, provide a diagnosis if necessary, and work with you to develop a treatment plan. That may or may not include: 

• Talk therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Medication, such as antidepressants
• Help with lifestyle changes that can help improve depressive symptoms
• Support groups where you can share experiences and learn from others 

Ultimately, therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It may take time to find the right therapist or therapy approach, but each step forward is a step in the right direction. 

Explore Support from Trusted Organizations

Thankfully, finding a reputable mental health professional is not the only step you can take. You can also seek further support from a trusted organization. Navigating mental health resources can feel daunting, but organizations like Mental Health America (MHA) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) can help! For example, organizations such as these can: 

• Offer online screenings, helplines, and educational materials 
• Provide local resources
• Advocate for mental health policy changes
• Host community events and foster peer support networks 
• Run campaigns to increase mental health awareness

These organizations are instrumental in supporting people, working tirelessly to ensure no one has to face depression or any mental health challenge alone. 

Focus on Self-Care and Routine

Another crucial component to help with depression is focusing on self-care and routine. When in the grip of depression, even basic tasks can feel overwhelming. However, establishing a small, manageable routine can be incredibly grounding. For example, you may focus on: 

• Aiming for consistent, restful sleep
• Eating nourishing foods and staying hydrated
• Moving your mod, even if with just a short walk 
• Practicing mindfulness with breath work, journaling, or guided meditation 

Self-care will not cure depression, but it can better support your recovery and make day-to-day life more manageable. 

Know That Healing Takes Time

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, please know that you are not alone. Healing is not linear, and there will be good days and harder days. The key is to keep showing up and being gentle with yourself. 

West Coast Recovery Centers aims to help individuals struggling with a number of mental health struggles, including depression. Call or visit our website to learn more about how we can better support you in your journey to healing from depression today. 

Depression is a serious mental health condition, but it does not have to define your life. If you are struggling, know that you are not alone, help is real, and healing is possible. During this Mental Health Awareness Week, take a powerful first step toward healing. Use this moment to check in with yourself or someone you care about, start a conversation, reach out for support, or schedule that first therapy appointment. You do not need to have it all figured out; you just need to take one small step. West Coast Recovery Centers can help you take that first step. Please do not hesitate to reach out by calling us at (760) 492-6509 to start that first step today.