Some, struggle with seasons of feeling depression. But, with the right tools, they can learn to manage these symptoms.
For others, they may feel a chronic level of feeling depressed that seems to continue to be there all the time. This is called Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD). It is a continuous long-term chronic form of depression. It can last for years and have major interference with every aspect of your life.
PDD is different in that may not feel as acute but more like an underlying feeling that just will not go away. Often, people may not be able to pinpoint when they started to feel this way. This may be because they have felt this for so long. Some possible symptoms of PDD are:
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Sadness
- Feeling empty
- Feeling down
- Hopelessness
- Being tired
- Lack of energy
- Low self-esteem
- Critical of yourself
- Feeling like you are not capable
- Trouble concentrating
- Trouble making decisions
- Being more irritable
- Excessive anger
- Being able to do less in your day
- Avoiding social activities
- Poor appetite
- Overeating
- Sleep too little or too much
If you have experienced these symptoms it is a good idea to talk with your doctor or a depression therapist in Greenville, SC. Doing so can help you see how you may be able to manage your depression. Some emotional and physical complications from not treating your depression could be:
Reduced quality of life- Major depression
- Increased anxiety
- Can lead to addictive behaviors
- Difficulties in relationships
- Family conflicts
- School or work problems
- Chronic Pain
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Physical Issues
- Possible mental health concerns
There are some beginning steps you can take to work on the management of your depression:
Control Stress.
Each person needs to learn ways to control their stress. What works for one person, will not work for everyone. Some ways to relieve stress are:
- Self-care practices
- Adding or increasing exercise
- Breathing exercises
- Choosing a healthy diet
- Getting enough sleep
- Staying hydrated
- Spending time with family and friends when possible
- And limiting screen time
Family and Friends.
Spending time with family and friends you enjoy, who encourage and support you is a needed part of all of our lives and can be a great help. It is good to limit your time with relationships that may not be healthy and life-giving.
Healthy Diet.
Choosing to mostly eat foods that are healthy for you will help your body be the best it can be. This will allow it to give you energy, better sleep, and help you manage better what your day may bring.
Exercise.
Getting moving is a great way to increase the endorphins that are needed for your body and mind to be at their best. Whether that is a walk in your neighborhood, going to the gym, or joining a sports league. A little movement will go a long way.
Sleep.
Being sure to get the sleep your body needs is essential for your body and mind to be at it is best. Too little or too much sleep makes it difficult for your body to function well. There are many resources available that can help with establishing good sleep habits. Thus, helping you get a better night of sleep. Your depression therapist or doctor can help you decide what would be best for you.
Self-Care.
Self-care needs to be a priority for each person. Too often when our schedules get busy or we are struggling, it can be one of the first things to go. So make time each week to do something that is just for you! That may be watching a movie, reading a book, making your favorite meal, going to your favorite coffee shop, or doing other activities. Choose activities that you love and are nurturing to your body and mind.
Be Creative.
Choose to try a new creative activity. When we are doing something creative, we use a different part of our brain. This may be activated when:
Painting- Ceramics
- Drawing
- Blogging
- Listening to music as the sole activity
- Dancing
- Writing
- Baking
- Gardening
- Etc.
Next Steps.
The above suggestions are good habits for everyone to include in their lives. But, sometimes you may need to seek out a depression therapist to manage your depression. Seeking help from your doctor and an experienced therapist can provide much support and help in working with management tools and therapies.
Our depression therapists in Greenville, SC help their clients with both depression and PDD in many ways. They are experienced in listening and helping the client to define what their symptoms are and if certain triggers cause them. Once that is determined, the depression therapist can provide tools that the client can use to manage and lessen their depression symptoms. Our therapist has been trained in many different therapies that have been known to help with depression. They can work with each client to best determine what tools will be most effective for that client. By using these tools, our clients can begin to move forward in their lives and start to focus on what is most important to them.
Begin Working With A Depression Therapist in Greenville, SC
Our team of caring depression therapists would be honored to support you in finding relief from your depression symptoms. We are happy to offer support from our Greenville, SC-based practice and across the state with in-person and online services. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
- Contact Upstate Restorative Counseling
- Meet with a caring depression therapist
- Start finding relief from your depression
Other Services Offered with Upstate Restorative Counseling
Our team understands that you may experience other mental health concerns in addition to depression. This is why we are happy to offer support with a variety of mental health services in-person and online. Other services offered include therapy for trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and resolving relationship issues and support across the state via online therapy. Feel free to learn more by visiting our blog or about page today!