Depression is a common mental health disorder, affecting more than 21 million adults in the United States yearly. Yet, for many, depression symptoms are alleviated through simple lifestyle changes. Help for depression is available using counseling, medication, and behavioral change.
Help for Depression: Counseling and Medications
Many people opt for counseling in combination with medications to address depression. Medication may be prescribed for severe depression or if you engage in self-harm or have suicidal ideations. If you are having thoughts about hurting yourself or others, seek help right away.
In many cases, counseling is an effective treatment for depression, which could include talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and group therapy.
Help for Depression: Lifestyle Changes
Certain behaviors and habits aggravate depression symptoms. Although not always easy, making behavior changes and creating new habits are simple things you can do at home in combination with counseling. A counselor can serve as an accountability partner as you make these changes.
Stress Management – Stress management techniques are effective methods of help for depression. Chronic stress strains your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Depression and anxiety are byproducts of too much stress. Practice deep breathing, progressive relaxation, prayer, and self-care to lower stress levels.
Avoid Vices – Alcohol, drugs, and smoking can all lead to depressive symptoms. This may be due to brain chemistry and structural changes in people who overdrink and abuse drugs. Even long-term nicotine use can lead to these effects. Although initially, you may feel relaxed and happy using these substances, eventually, the changes will worsen depression symptoms.
Move More – Whether your depression symptoms are caused by a chemical imbalance, stress, grief, or genetics, exercise can help. Working out at a moderate pace triggers the release of serotonin and other brain chemicals that boost mood and increase focus. You can also count exercise as part of self-care. Moving more will benefit your body and mind.
Set Realistic Goals – Depression can rob you of the ability to dream of the future. You may find it difficult to concentrate on a vision of your future life. But setting realistic goals gives you something to look forward to achieving.
First, list ten goals you would like to see happen over the next year. Now, choose one or two of these goals to make the most of the others possible. Brainstorm steps to reach those goals and actionable tasks you can start today.
Ditch Ultra-Processed Foods – Ultra-processed foods, such as soda pop, frozen pizza, and potato chips, contain chemicals that can affect brain function, leading to depression. When you consume a high amount of these foods instead of unprocessed foods, the risk of experiencing depression symptoms rises. Avoid processed foods and choose whole foods.
Reconnect with Friends – Talking with friends is a natural way to boost endorphins and help you feel better overall. If you tend to isolate yourself, reaching out to a friend can help you reconnect socially. Invite a friend over for coffee or out for a walk.
Trying to make changes all at once can be overwhelming and intimidating. Instead, choose one or two lifestyle changes to implement for a month. Once you feel confident, add another new habit or behavior change.
Christian Counseling for Depression in Stone Oak
Our office staff can help you schedule a meeting with a Christian counselor in Stone Oak, Texas. Your counselor will assess your depression symptoms and create a care plan and strategy to help you through depression using evidence-based psychology combined with principles of faith. Contact us today at Stone Oak Christian Counseling in Texas to get started.
Photo:
“Ambleside”, Courtesy of Jonny Gios, Unsplash.com, Unsplash+ License
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Melissa Plantz: AuthorMelissa Plantz is a Christian author and freelance writer. She spent twenty years in the pharmacy industry and has specialized in faith, fitness, nutrition, geriatrics, and mental health since 2015. She writes from the beautiful Lake Marion area in S...
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Articles are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice; the content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All opinions expressed by authors and quoted sources are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, publishers or editorial boards of Stone Oak Christian Counseling. This website does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk.
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