Depression Help: Healthy Coping Habits

localedge • November 3, 2020
If you are someone who deals with depression, you understand that it can drain your energy and your drive to accomplish certain tasks. While recovering from depression isn’t a quick or easy feat, it's important to start small and build from there. Even though you might not have much energy, strive to pick yourself up to complete a healthy task like taking a walk around the block or calling a friend or family member just to chat and catch up. 

These tasks might give you the jump start you need to boost your mood for several hours and hopefully long enough to complete more healthy habits. If you are looking for depression help, look at some health coping habits below. By tackling these small, positive steps each day, you may find yourself feeling happier and healthier again. 
woman starring off into the distance

Stay Connected 

When dealing with depression, it may be difficult for you to reach out for help causing you to become withdrawn. However, by staying connected to others and joining in on social activities, you can improve your mood and outlook. Surround yourself with good listeners who won't judge you. Instead of calling and texting, get together with friends and family and talk face to face. Disconnect from social media as this can stir feelings of depression.

  • Help someone else by volunteering.
  • Have lunch or coffee with a friend.
  • Go for a walk with a workout buddy.
  • Schedule a weekly dinner date.
  • Meet new people by taking a class or joining a club.

Find Things That Energize You

It's important to follow a healthy lifestyle and learn how to manage your stress. Don't force yourself to have fun if you don't like it but try to do things you used to do for fun. Try to get 8 hours of sleep each night. Create a "wellness toolbox" filled with things that you can do to boost your mood to cope with your depression.

  • Make yourself a priority.
  • Spend some time in nature.
  • Watch a funny movie or TV show.
  • Play with a pet.
  • Listen to music.
  • Do something spontaneous.

Get Up & Move

Getting out of bed while you are experiencing symptoms of depression may be a hard task. However, it's important to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. Start off small with a 10-minute walk around your neighborhood and then increase little by little. By exercising regularly, you can relieve symptoms of depression without having to use medication.

  • Take on walking, weight training, swimming, martial arts, or dancing.
  • Pair up with an exercise partner.
  • Take a dog for a walk.

Eat A Healthy Diet

Did you know what you eat will affect how you feel? What you put in to fuel your body can affect your brain and your mood. Follow a regular eating schedule so you are not hungry and irritable.

  • Don't skip meals.
  • Minimize sugar and refined carbs.
  • Add in vitamins.
  • Eat food rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Avoid substance abuse.

Contact Us

If you are looking for depression help in the Tonawanda, Orchard Park, or Buffalo, NY areas, rely on the team at WNY Psychotherapy Services. When it comes to depression, you shouldn't suffer alone. We understand that people can suffer from depression for a variety of reasons. We know depression affects any type of individual. That is why we strive to treat the depression of our clients with individualized care. Through our services, we get to the root of the issue and teach our clients ways to cope in healthy ways. If you or a loved one could use depression help, don't wait to reach out to our counseling center. Call today.