Tips for Managing Depression | Online Depression Therapy

Tips for Managing Depression 

Whenever it comes time for holidays, family obligations, or even meeting with friends, for those living with depression things can be particularly challenging. The pandemic has brought upon challenges for many families, and for those who have experienced loss or family fracturing due to Covid-19, holiday times can bring on more intense feelings of isolation, worthlessness, and loneliness. Living with depression can be extremely exhausting and leave people with low motivation and challenging feelings.

While finding professional support through in-person or online depression therapy is an incredible way to help you navigate your day-to-day life, there are many other things one can do to help manage your depression symptoms during the holidays.

Honor Your Feelings and Capacity

When you’re dealing with depression, even everyday activities like going to work, making meals, or simply showering can be very draining. Dealing with additional holiday and family obligations on top of that can make navigating a jam-packed schedule even more exhausting. Because of this, it’s so important to honor your feelings and capacity, make sure you’re not taking on too much, and set firm boundaries. For those in your life who know you are living with depression, tell them what your intentions are and ask for their support.

Make sure you prepare a simple and straightforward message for declining activities that might be too much- for example, something along the lines of “I appreciate your invitation however unfortunately I won’t be able to make it this year.” If you receive pushback from family or friends, remember to hold firm to your boundaries and repeat this phrase. You’re doing this for your health, and your health is important.

Avoid Self-Criticism

For many who are struggling with depression, feeling good about yourself can come as a challenge, especially if you feel like you’re letting others down. In these moments when you’re planning your days with an honest evaluation of your emotional and mental capacities, it’s important to do your best to not be too down on yourself. Different people have different amounts of energy, and you’re making choices that are the healthiest for you.

Avoiding negative self-talk and internal criticism can also be made much easier through practicing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, so next time you’re at your in-person or online depression therapy session, make sure to inquire about some of the ways you can help navigate these types of negative thought patterns.

Engage with Others

While it is extremely important to not over-exert yourself, it’s equally as important to make sure you engage with those who are close to you when possible. Isolating yourself too much from others can often intensify the feelings of alienation and loneliness brought on by depression, so it can be equally as important to find healthy ways of connecting with others that are in your capacity.

Get Online Depression Therapy

For more ways to navigate living with depression, speak with one of our online depression therapy practitioners at ACT Teletherapy.

Get in touch today and one of our expert mental health professionals will work with you to support you in navigating the everyday challenges that often accompany living with depression.