Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In just America alone, depression affects hundreds of thousands of people. Unfortunately, many people with depression do not know how to get help for their depression. Here are some starting points for getting help for your depression.
Ask for support from friends and family
Asking for help from friends and family can be hardest thing anyone with depression can do. There is still a lot of stigma surrounding depression and mental health issues in general, so “coming out” to your family about your mental health can be terrifying. But just because it’s daunting doesn’t mean you should avoid doing it by default! A lot of people find that when they ask for help from their families and friends, they often get much more acceptance and support than they originally thought. This is important because when you suffer from depression you want to have as solid a support system as possible.
Seek advice from those who have overcome their depression
This is usually a form of peer support. It can work very well, especially when you know that the person you’re seeking advice from has struggled the same as you have. They know where you’re coming from and how to help you take those first important steps towards managing your depression. Keep in mind that these people are like you – they are still a work in progress. Don’t compare yourself to them because they seem to have things under control now; it likely took a lot of mental and even physical work to get there. Everyone’s journey is different, and once you accept that, these people can prove an invaluable source of information for you (again, without comparing yourself to them).
Seek advice from a mental health professional
This is the most solid advice you will find anywhere. A mental health professional can be very instrumental in helping you manage and treat your depression. Mental health professionals are trained, often studying mental health for years. While not all mental health professionals are considered “therapists,” they can all be a significant resource for you. Nowadays, mental health professionals are more available that they have been in the past – you can even talk to a counselor or mental health professional online! This is beneficial for people who don’t have reliable access to mental health care. There are plenty of professionals who can help you out at https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/.
Sign up for therapy sessions
Seeing a licensed therapist can be scary. Reasonably so, because it is both a monetary investment (in yourself and your wellbeing) and a time commitment. Seeing a therapist is a big leap to take when seeking help for your depression. Just like seeking out a mental health professional, talking to a therapist can turn your current life around for the better.
There’s no doubt that depression can be debilitating. It can make you feel as though all your suffering is simply in your head. It can also make it near impossible to reach out for help. However, keep in mind that there are plenty of avenues, including the ones discussed here, for you to get the help that you want and need!