How to Get Through a Depressive Episode

How to Get Through a Depressive Episode

It's tough to get through a depressive episode.

You may feel like you're stuck in a dark hole with no way out.

The good news is that there are ways to get through depression and start feeling better again.

Here are some tips to help you start recovering from depression. 

Depression Therapists in Colorado

Bethany Cantrell, LPCC

Bethany Cantrell, LPCC

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 602-1342
Seth Boughton, SWC

Seth Boughton, SWC

Aurora, Colorado
(720) 449-4121
Joseph Anders, LPCC

Joseph Anders, LPCC

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 481-3518
Shannon Hamm, LPC

Shannon Hamm, LPC

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 452-4374
Zachary Peterson, LCSW

Zachary Peterson, LCSW

Colorado
(720) 449-4121
Margot Bean, LCSW

Margot Bean, LCSW

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 345-2424
Katherine Fijman, LPCC, LACC

Katherine Fijman, LPCC, LACC

Aurora, Colorado
(720) 449-4121
Karin Alaska, LPC

Karin Alaska, LPC

Colorado
(719) 345-2424
Geni Hunt, LPCC

Geni Hunt, LPCC

Aurora, Colorado
(720) 449-4121
Travis Call, MA, MFTC

Travis Call, MA, MFTC

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 452-4374

Recognize the Symptoms of a Depressive Episode

A depressive episode is characterized by

  • A persistent low mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness and despair
  • Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
  • Sleep problems
  • Decreased energy levels

It's important to be able to identify the symptoms of a depressive episode so that you can seek help early on. 

This is an important step when learning how to get through a depressive episode. 

Don't Try to Go Through it Alone - Seek Help From Others

If you're feeling depressed, it's important to reach out for help.

Talk to your doctor or mental health professional.

They can help you figure out what's going on and how to best treat it.

You should also tell your close friends and family about what you're going through.

They can provide support and understanding. Don't overlook your support group when learning how to get through a depressive episode.

Get Plenty of Rest and Exercise

When you're depressed, it's important to take care of your body.

Make sure you're getting enough sleep and exercise.

Exercise can help improve your mood and energy levels.

Eat a healthy diet. What you eat can also affect your mood.

Make sure you're eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Taking care of yourself is an important step when getting through a depressive episode.

Take Medication as Prescribed by Your Doctor

If you're taking medication for depression, it's important to take it as prescribed.

Don't skip doses or stop taking it without talking to your doctor first.

Depression can be a difficult condition to deal with, but there are ways to get through it.

If you're feeling depressed, talk to your doctor or mental health professional.

They can help you figure out what's going on and how to best treat it.

You should also tell your close friends and family about what you're going through.

They can provide support and understanding.

Avoid Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol and drugs can make depression worse.

If you're struggling with depression, it's important to avoid alcohol and drugs.

Talk to your doctor or mental health professional if you're having trouble stopping.

Set Realistic Goals

When you're depressed, it can be hard to get motivated.

Start by setting small, achievable goals.

For example, instead of saying you're going to exercise for an hour every day, start with 10 minutes.

Then gradually increase the amount of time you exercise as you start to feel better.

Participate in Activities You Enjoy

Doing things you enjoy can help improve your mood.

It's important to find activities that you really enjoy and make time for them in your life. Some activities could be:

• Reading

• Going for walks in nature

• Spending time with friends and family

• Playing with a pet

These are just a few ideas. 

Explore your interests and identify what you can do to help yourself.

Depression can be a difficult condition to deal with, but there are ways to get through it.

Spend Time with People Who Make You Feel Good

Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself.

These could be friends, family, or even a therapist. Some things you could all do together are:

• Going for walks

• Talking and listening to each other

• Doing something fun

• Spending time in nature

Find things that you enjoy doing with others and make time for them in your life.

Be Patient - Recovery Takes Time

Don't expect to snap out of it overnight.

Recovery from depression takes time.

Be patient with yourself and don't give up hope.

You can get through this.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

If you've been struggling with depression for a while and haven't been able to get better on your own, it might be time to seek professional help.

Therapy can be a great way to get started on the road to recovery.

Some types of therapy that could be helpful are:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

• Psychodynamic Therapy

These are just a few examples. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional about what might be right for you.

If you're feeling depressed, talk to your doctor or mental health professional. 

They can help you figure out what's going on and how to best treat it.

FAQs

What should I do if I'm feeling depressed?

If you're feeling depressed, it's important to talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you figure out what's going on and how to best treat it.

What causes depression?

There is no single cause of depression. It can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

How can I tell if I'm depressed?

There are some common signs and symptoms of depression, such as feeling sad or hopeless, loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, sleep problems, and fatigue. But it's important to talk to your doctor or mental health professional to be sure.

What are some things I can do to help myself if I'm depressed?

There are a number of things you can do to help yourself if you're feeling depressed. Some things you could try are: talking to your doctor or mental health professional, spending time with people who make you feel good, participating in activities you enjoy, and setting realistic goals.

How long does it take to recover from depression?

There is no one answer to this question. Recovery from depression takes time. Be patient with yourself and don't give up hope. You can learn strategies on how to get through a depressive episode.

Disclaimer

The information in this blog should only be used for informational purposes

Do not use the content in this blog post as a substitute for medical advice from a licensed professional.

Conclusion

If you're feeling depressed, there are things you can do to help yourself.

Talk to your doctor or mental health professional, set realistic goals, participate in activities you enjoy, spend time with people who make you feel good, and be patient with yourself.

Depression is a serious condition, but there are ways to get through it. 

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September 27th, 2023

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