For those who suffer from clinically diagnosed depression, it can be difficult to see light at the end of the tunnel when a depressive episode strikes. You may feel deep sadness, irritability, and an inability to will yourself to accomplish even the most basic daily tasks. A depressive episode can deprive you of your drive and happiness and leave you reeling with emotions that are difficult to deal with as you try to manage day-to-day life. For some, treatment from depressive disorder treatment centers can help deal with the effects of a depressive episode. However, some can find ways to mitigate the symptoms of depression in other ways.
Whether you choose to seek help from major depressive disorder treatment centers or go it alone, there’s nothing easy about getting through a major depressive episode. Continue reading to learn a few tips that you can use to deal with the onset of a depressive episode.
Know the Signs
Depressive episodes can be most devastating when you fail to recognize that they’re coming. At least if you know your triggers and red flags, you can begin to prepare yourself and take steps to fight off the effects of depression. If you’re conscious of what is happening at the onset of a depressive episode, you already have an advantage in dealing with it. Symptoms such as low energy and drive, self-judgment, or destructive thoughts can be your first sign that a depressive episode has been triggered. That will give you an opportunity to determine what may have caused the episode and try to remove that catalyst from your life. Even if recognizing the warning signs of depression doesn’t head off a depressive episode altogether, it can help you limit its duration and severity.
Depression Is an Illness
For many, a depressive episode can be the beginning of a downward spiral that spins out of control. The types of thoughts that characterize a depressive episode feed off one another and become magnified. For example, after entering a depressed state, some people view their depression as weakness rather than illness, which leads to further self-judgment and self-undermining. You wouldn’t get angry at yourself for catching the flu and use sickness to justify harsh opinions of yourself. Therefore, it is not helpful to treat yourself in such a way when a depressive episode sets in. Remember that depression is an illness, and you are not weak for experiencing the symptoms of an illness.
Depression Is Temporary
The worst thing that can happen in a depressive episode is for the sufferer of depression to make decisions with long-term consequences in the midst of a short-term episode. Though depression as a condition may represent a lifelong affliction, the depressive episode itself is a passing symptom. In other words, it’s not permanent, so it’s important that you don’t take action that has permanent consequences based on your feelings during a temporary depressive episode. When you feel a depressive episode coming on, tell yourself that as bad as it may seem that it’s only temporary and will pass.
Take Care of Yourself, and Reach Out
Many people in your circle may not know you’re going through a depressive episode, especially if you isolate yourself as a mechanism for dealing with depression. While each person has his or her own way of dealing with a depressive episode, it’s important to remember that you are your own best ally. Do the things that make you feel safe and help you battle the effects of a depressive episode. Eat a nice meal, watch a funny movie, or go on a long nature walk. Whatever brings you peace and helps you process your thoughts is fair game, so long as you’re taking care of yourself. In some instances, when it’s difficult to find a way to quiet the symptoms of an episode, it can be helpful to reach out, whether that means having a conversation with trusted love ones or seeking help through treatments centers for major depressive disorder. There’s nothing to fear in asking for help, as talking with others can provide context for the feelings you’re experiencing.
Use these tips to help deal with the onset of a depressive episode, as they may help you minimize the severity and duration of your symptoms. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help from a treatment center if your battle against depression becomes too difficult. To learn more tips for dealing with depressive disorders, contact Kinder in the Keys at (800) 545-4046.
