How to Fix Depression

One of the most common problems our clients face is depression, and they sometimes describe it as feeling like they’re walking neck-deep through mud.  There are no quick solutions, but there are things you can do to start feeling better. 

Start therapy

We highly recommend that you start working with a licensed mental health counselor for individual therapy.  A good counselor can guide your therapy in a way that is individual to you and your needs, provide emotional support, recommend coping strategies, and help you feel better more quickly.  

Take care of your body

It’s not exciting, but it is very important to maintain your physical health.  That means seeing your doctor to rule out any medical problems, exercising regularly, drinking enough water, and fueling your body with good nutrition.  

Use social media wisely

Social media can be a great tool for entertainment, but it has tremendous potential for making you feel worse overall.  Comparing yourself to others, doomscrolling, or arguing politics can all contribute to feelings of depression.  

Distract your brain

Doing things that require you to focus or concentrate can help distract your brain from thinking about all the negativity for a little while.  Making this a habit will slowly, over time, help lessen the depressive feelings. 

Have fun  

Really.  This is obviously easier said than done when we’re depressed, but it’s okay to go in baby steps.  If you’re severely depressed, nothing may feel fun to you anymore.  If that is the case, please call your doctor or a mental health counselor to get seen right away.   

For many people, though, fun seems to fall off our list of things to do.  Try staying off anything electronic and playing a board game with friends or trying a weird new hobby.  

Talk to your doctor about anti-depressant medication  

Medication recommendations are something that your counselor or therapist cannot and will not make, as that is only something your primary care doctor or psychiatrist is trained and licensed to do.  If you’re having a hard time dealing with the feelings of depression, that’s when it’s time for you and your doctor to discuss if a combination of medication and counseling would be more beneficial for you than therapy alone.  

As a reminder, if you are thinking about suicide, please call or text 988 or visit the 988 Lifeline website to chat with someone, any time of the day or night, including weekends and holidays. 

If you’re in Florida and are interested in a free 15-minute telephone consultation about how The Mangroves counselors can help you with your depression, please contact us.