5 Ways to Cope With Depression
Winter is coming, and with it, many people will struggle with seasonal depression. The symptoms include feelings of sadness, lack of motivation, fatigue, and other similar symptoms. If you or someone you know deals with seasonal or diagnosed depression, you know how frustrating the condition can be.
People who experience symptoms of depression react differently to a variety of treatments. Many of the strongest treatments, like prescription medications, come with serious side effects that make some question whether it’s worth it to take them. Unfortunately, some people cope with depression long-term, and it affects their family relationships, friendships, and work-life. It inhibits people’s ability to feel happiness and explore interests. Depression put simply, can be debilitating and affect the way we live and love.
Fortunately, whether it’s seasonal depression or a long-term condition, there are ways to cope better with depression and experience relief. The symptoms don’t have to overwhelm you or someone you love at every turn. Here are five excellent ways to cope with depression and limit the impact of depressive symptoms.
Identify Triggers of Depression
One of the best things that you can do is recognize when you’re feeling depressed and go through the events prior. Spotting things that trigger depression will help you avoid them and limit the effects of symptoms. Whether it’s spending time with toxic people, working too much, not exercising, or eating poorly, you can determine what makes you depressed and actively avoid them.
On the other hand, you should spend more time doing things that make you feel good! Join an exercise class, spend time around people who lift you up, and exercise regularly to beat back symptoms of depression.
Learn to Ask for Help
It’s hard to ask for help. One of the biggest challenges of depression is that it’s so easy to fold in on ourselves. We go deeper and deeper into a depressive hole where we obsess over what’s wrong and how things can never be better. You have to fight through that, and a fantastic way is to ask for help from people who care about you. Whether it’s your family or your closest friends, tell them how you’re feeling and let them know you need help. They’ll rush to your side and find ways to support you until you’re feeling better.
Try Therapy
Seeing a therapist is a very important coping strategy for people who deal with depression. Trained therapists know how to treat depression and can help you with coping strategies that work. Sometimes it is hard to see through the fog of depression and how to feel better. A therapist will work with you to identify triggers, plan coping strategies, and recommend other treatment methods. Occasionally, you need an outside, experienced voice to help you feel better.
Treating Depression With Peptides
N-Acetyl Semax is a synthetic peptide prized for its neurogenic and neurorestorative properties. It is currently approved for clinical use in Russia and is still being evaluated in many other countries. Studies show Semax improves levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, and regulates the function of the brain in the setting of depression.
Current SSRI treatments typically require several weeks of treatment to take effect, and the side effects of the drugs can be significant. Semax, though, shows much more immediate results. Researchers believe that combining Semax and other BDNF stimulators with SSRI treatment can make treatment work much faster with better results. Semax is not yet approved by the FDA for human use. Much research is being done to determine its future medical possibilities.
Stay Busy
Staying productive is a terrific way to avoid depression symptoms. Whether it’s pursuing hobbies like painting or joining an exercise class, filling your time prevents anxiety from spiking and stops you from obsessing over the feelings that you’re going through. Sometimes you just need to get up and move. Change your environment and find a way to be around other people. A fantastic way to stop focusing on what you are going through is to engage in some type of service. You can volunteer at a community kitchen, spend time at your local pet shelter, or find other service opportunities where you live. Making an impact in someone else’s life is a terrific way to overcome symptoms of depression. Eliminate empty space in your schedule to prevent feelings of loneliness and sadness.
Be real with yourself and why you’re feeling depressed. It is often seasonal or triggered by a certain event or interaction. Sometimes, though, depression can be hereditary and must be treated by professionals. Don’t give up if the first thing that you try doesn’t work. People who learn to successfully cope with depression have often spent years getting where they are. There is hope around the corner, and the more things you try, the closer you’ll get to find the answer for you. Treat yourself with kindness and ask for help when you need it.