Deep depression is not only difficult, but also dangerous. More than 90 percent of people who commit suicide have a diagnosable mental disorder, which often includes depression, explains the National Institute of Mental Health. Deep depression interferes with energy levels, and people with this illness often feel overwhelmed by the prospect of seeking treatment and fighting the depression. However, it is crucial that they do so. Overcoming deep depression is difficult, but not impossible.
Step 1
Obtain treatment. Depression is very difficult to overcome without outside help. Seeing a doctor or mental health professional enables people to get medication that may stabilize the chemicals in the brain and make them feel better. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people address the current problems in their life and learn new ways to cope with their illness.
Step 2
Set goals. Although medication and counseling are beneficial for people with depression, they are only effective when the depressed person is willing to work to fight their depression. Making small, concrete goals about the recovery process can help people with depression continue their fight against the illness in a productive way. Accomplishing these goals often gives people a sense of power and control over their depression.
Step 3
Get healthy. Many people underestimate the link between physical and mental health. Getting plenty of exercise, eating healthy, sleeping well at night, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and reducing stress can help keep the symptoms of depression away. Individuals may also find it beneficial to participate in activities they once enjoyed, even when they don’t feel like it, suggests the Better Health Channel.
Step 4
Find support. The recovery process is often difficult, even with the proper medication and counseling treatment. Although professional help is useful, depressed people who surround themselves with supportive, positive people may find the recovery process easier. It is also useful when depressed people educate their relatives and friends about their illness, which enables them to watch for returning symptoms, help with tangible goals and provide useful feedback during the recovery process, explains the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.
Step 5
Be patient. It may take several weeks before medication or therapy results in a noticeable difference in symptoms or mood. Because the results of treatment depend so much on the individual, it may take a trial-and-error approach to find the best treatment for this specific situation. People with depression need to remain dedicated to their goals and focused on their recovery, even when they don’t experience relief as quickly as they expected.
Tips and Warnings
- Online support groups and self-help books can help people continue to work on their recovery from the comfort of their own homes. Some people with depression find it useful to keep a negative-thought log, suggests HelpGuide.org. Jotting down negative thoughts in a notebook makes people more aware of their negativity and gives them a chance to consciously replace their negative thoughts with more positive ones. Thyroid disorders, anemia, heart problems, chronic pain, anxiety disorders and addictions can mimic or worsen depression, according to MayoClinic.com. People who discover that their depression seems resistant to treatment may want to get a physical checkup to rule out a medical cause for the depression.
- People need to take all thoughts or comments about suicide seriously. If this occurs, call a mental health professional or 911 immediately.
