7 Steps to Help You Beat Depression
One of the most widespread mental health issues of our time, depression has affected more than 16 million adults in the US alone last year. We have found evidence that Neurofeedback training has helped people struggling with depression in the past, and continuous research helps us understand how this new technology can help patients struggling again this condition. For those looking for more ways to cope we depression, here is a list of 7 steps that might help you:
1. Acknowledge and Control Your Inner Critic
One of the most identifiable “symptoms” of depression, is that inner voice that constantly puts you down, like a strict parent or boss who is never satisfied with anything you do. One might say it's close to impossible to ignore this voice that has been following you for such a long time, but try to imagine whether you would have these same thoughts about someone else who's struggling with this issue… Having compassion for yourself is one of the paths to end this harsh process of self-sabotaging.
2. Allow Yourself to Feel Angry
While many describe depression as a constant feeling of sadness, some experience it as a general numbness, a lack of feeling. Suppressing your feelings might be a way to defend yourself from unpleasant feeling, like anger, which despite being uncomfortable, is a natural part of our spectrum of emotions. Make sure you allow yourself to feel these negative feelings, acknowledge and accept them. These are just part of a process everyone goes through.
3. Move Your Body 3
This one is a no-brainer. Getting your heart rate up for around 20 minutes a day for at least 4 days a week has been proven to improve your general well-being. Here in the blog we've spoken about how our minds and our bodies are interconnected, so it's only natural that when you take care of your physical health, your mental health also benefits.
4. Don't Just Deal With Iy By Yourself
We often tend to think we can deal with our issues by ourselves. It's hard for us to share our vulnerability with others, to share our personal problems, but isolating yourself with your own issues might also backfire. You don't want to be consumed by the things you’re struggling with, so try as hard as you can to share it with someone, in a safe environment. And, whenever you can, go out, see your friends, make new ones, a healthy social life also contributes to a balanced mind.
5. Do The Things You Like to Do
This may seem obvious, but depression are one of the hardest mental states to endure and sometimes we just lack the energy to do simple things that make us feel good. When you feel like laying on the couch or hiding from the world in your room, try to watch your favorite TV show, or ready a funny book. This way you'll actively remind your brain that it can also have some fun.
6. Don't Beat Yourself Up
It is important to treat depression seriously. Beating yourself up or feeding your self-hatred will only increase the symptoms and make it harder to overcome this state. This is a disorder that is highly treatable, so make the responsible choice, acknowledge your suffering and look for help.
7. See a Therapist
This can still be a tabu, but talking to a trained specialist will undoubtedly help you in some way. Finding the source of your pain can have a tremendous impact on your feeling and can definitely alleviate the symptoms of depression. Give it a try.
If you live in our home town of San Francisco and feel like reaching out to us, please do so HERE. You can find more Depression Support Groups in San Francisco HERE.