Whether brought on by misfortune or inner thoughts, whether in childhood or later in life, depression is all the same.

Being a narcissist doesn't necessarily mean that you're happy all the time.

In fact, studies show that narcissists are more likely to experience periods of depression than the general population.

This is likely because their inflated perception of themselves can be easily shattered, leading to feelings of low self-esteem and sadness.

All of which can often lead to depression.

However, there is therapy for narcissism, and it isn't the only option for coping with depression.

There are different ways narcissists can cope with depression, and one example of this is journaling.

Journaling is a form of expressive writing, and it can offer many mental health benefits.

Keeping a journal offers a safe space for you to process and analyze thoughts and emotions that affect your mood.

Also, trying out therapy for narcissism is one of the effective ways narcissists can cope with depression.

Therapy with a trained professional offers a healthy way for those struggling with depression to explore and address the causes of their emotions and learn new coping mechanisms for dealing with it.

Making a few changes to your daily routines can also be beneficial.

Adopting healthy routines can boost your physical and mental well-being.

Below are more details on how narcissists can cope with depression. 

Journaling

Journaling, which is also known as an expressive form of writing, can have numerous benefits for mental health.

Although journaling can be a useful tool for coping with depression, it is important to also seek professional treatment as well.

This is because while journaling can be a useful addition to your treatment plan, it cannot be used as a substitute for expert treatment or help.

Journaling can help ease depression symptoms in numerous ways.

One of these is boosting mindfulness.

There is a way writing down your thoughts and feelings, and other observations, can help boost your mindfulness.

It can make emotions feel more manageable.

Also, when you take time to write down negative thoughts, it provides perspective and makes them feel less overwhelming.

Over time, journaling can help you identify triggers that cause depression and help you develop strategies to manage them effectively.

Get started by creating a routine for writing in your journal.

You could decide to try it out every day in the mornings or at the end of the day; choose what works for you. 

Therapy for Narcissism

Narcissistic personality disorder can majorly contribute to depression, and therapy may help those with narcissistic disorder manage their symptoms.

For instance, difficult emotions that persist in response to unresolved situations are what we call unprocessed emotions.

These unprocessed emotions can develop into negative emotions, which can cause more symptoms of depression.

Through the help of a therapist, you can get guidance in managing your symptoms and discovering your true self.

Therapy can also help narcissists acknowledge and understand their actions, as well as develop positive ways of dealing with their emotions.

There are various types of therapies that can effectively help individuals going through depression.

Therapy teaches people to self-validate, which is beneficial for those who rely on others' attention and admiration to maintain their self-esteem, as narcissistic people always do.

Therapy can help individuals improve their communication skills, develop positive relationships, and regulate their emotions.

Adopting Healthy Routines

Another example of ways narcissists can cope with depression is by adopting healthy routines to their lifestyle.

By doing activities that boost both physical and emotional health, narcissistic people can learn to deal with depression.

For example, physical activities, getting sufficient sleep, maintaining a nutritious diet, and regularly practicing self-care can be beneficial for depressed, narcissistic people.

Engaging in physical activity is a natural way to boost one's mood and can have a substantial positive impact on mental well-being.

Engaging in physical activity regularly can help reduce symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and stress.

Also, healthy sleep hygiene can be useful for treating depression.

This is because depression and sleep are closely related, and poor sleep patterns can worsen depression symptoms.

Poor sleep patterns can cause you to feel more irritable, anxious, and tired.

Healthy routines extend to maintaining a healthy and balanced diet when dealing with depression.

Lastly, narcissists can manage depression by practicing self-care practices.

Self-care involves engaging in activities that enhance an individual's physical and emotional health.

Medication for Depression

Medication can be an effective way of dealing with depression, and it is also a way that individuals with narcissistic traits can handle their depression.

However, although medication cannot cure depression, it can help lessen its symptoms and boost your general state of health.

Depression is often treated with antidepressants, which are frequently prescribed medications.

These drugs function by regulating neurotransmitters in the brain, which can enhance emotional state and reduce symptoms of depression.

Chemicals called neurotransmitters in the brain control mood, and when these chemicals become imbalanced, they can cause symptoms of depression.

It is important to emphasize that you can only take medication for depression with the guidance of a healthcare provider.

If you try this method, a healthcare provider can help you determine if it is suitable for them and can also keep an eye on any possible adverse reactions.

It may take a few weeks for antidepressants to become effective, so it's crucial to adhere to the prescribed dosage, even if symptoms begin to improve.

Just as it is important to only take drugs prescribed by a healthcare provider, you shouldn't stop taking drugs without your doctor's knowledge. 

Learn to Receive and Process Feedback

Learning to receive and process feedback can help narcissistic people cope with their depression.

They usually find it difficult to receive feedback because they often believe that they are never wrong and that other people are the ones that get it wrong.

Learning to accept constructive criticism will help you identify areas that require improvement and eventually boost mental health.

You can benefit from receiving feedback from friends, family, or a mental health professional because it will help you identify any harmful behavior patterns and work towards developing healthier habits.

It will also help them develop their ability to understand and connect with those around them. 

Conclusion

Depression is a severe mental health issue that can affect anyone, including narcissists.

However, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and it's never too late to seek professional help when struggling with depression.

Some ways narcissists can cope with depression include journaling, therapy for narcissism, adopting healthy routines, medication for depression, and receiving and processing feedback.

Resources 

https://www.healthline.com/health/depression-writing

https://www.choosingtherapy.com/narcissistic-depression/

https://psychcentral.com/quizzes/narcissistic-personality-quiz#1

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/depression/are-narcissism-and-depression-connected/

https://www.healthyplace.com/personality-disorders/malignant-self-love/depression-and-the-narcissist

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9742-narcissistic-personality-disorder