5 Best Tools To Fight Depression

Depression is a mental health issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or race. This condition can be treated in a variety of ways, but some tools and techniques may help alleviate symptoms.

Some statistics provided that depression accounted for 32.4% of mental health issues in the world.

Source: Vigo D, Thornicroft G, Atun R. Estimating the True Global Burden of Mental Illness. Lancet Psychiatry. 2016; 3: 171-78 and World Health Organization, 2012.

It's essential to keep in mind that what works for one individual might not work for another when considering the best tools to use against depression. With that being said, here are the 5 best tools to fight depression and get you started on your journey toward mental wellness.

What Are The Causes of Depression?

There are many causes of depression, such as genetics, physical or psychological trauma, or even a change in environment. Negative thinking patterns and stress can contribute to feelings of depression, in addition to these triggers.

Let's dig deeper into each factor...

Genetics: If depression runs in your family, you may be more likely to experience it yourself. This is because genetics can play a role in increasing an individual's risk of developing the disorder.

Physical or psychological trauma: Unfortunately, both physical and psychological traumas, like abuse or loss, can lead to depression.

Change in environment: Situations like moving, being unemployed, or having relationship trouble can lead to depression.

Stress: Prolonged periods of sadness and low moods can be caused by stressful life events.

Negative thinking patterns: People who entertain negative thoughts about themselves or the world are more likely to experience depression than those without this issue. Negative thinking can lead to more intense and frequent bouts of depression.

Now that we understand the causes of depression, let's talk about the symptoms.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms of Depression?

Some frequent indications that you may have depression are consistent low moods, being unusually tired, having trouble thinking or focusing, changes in eating and sleeping habits, feeling guilty or worthless often, and contemplating harming yourself.

Different people experience depression in different ways, and not everyone shows all of the above-listed signs. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional about what to do next.

There are many different types of treatments available for depression, let's discuss them.

How Is Depression Treated?

1. Medication:The types of medications used to treat depression differ, so speak with your doctor to determine which one would be more effective for you specifically.
   
   
2. Therapy:CBT, or behavioural therapy, has been found to be an effective treatment for depression. This type of therapy focuses on identifying and addressing negative thinking patterns and the underlying causes of depression.
   
   
3. Exercise:With increased endorphin levels from regular physical activity, you can help improve your mood. Even light exercises like walking or yoga can be helpful in managing symptoms.
4. Self-care: Depression management is key, and a large part of that is taking care of yourself. This can be done by ensuring you have a good support network, getting enough sleep, eating well, and participating in activities you love.
   
   
5. Lifestyle change: Changes like reducing stress, quitting unhealthy habits, and developing a healthier routine can help improve the symptoms of depression.

If you're feeling depressed, here are a few recommendations that might help. Of course, always speak to a healthcare professional for more comprehensive treatment options.

At Pillars of Wellness, we provide counselling services to help with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and other mental health conditions.

Our team are registered counselors, trained with a high level of education and come with decades of clinical experience.

What Can You Do To Help Someone Who Is Depressed?

Here are some suggestions for people who want to help a depressed person in their life:

Listen: Show your loved one that you support them by listening to their struggles, without judgement. Help care for them by reminding of self-care activities that can ease the pain they're feeling.

Encourage self-care: Help remind the person of self-care activities that can help alleviate the symptoms of depression.

Normalize help-seeking: It's okay to ask for help from professionals if you need it.

Be patient:While it might not seem like it, depression is a treatable illness. Remember that success takes time, and often people have to try several different treatments before finding one that works for them. Be patient during this process, and show your loved one understanding and support.

Be There: Show them that it is okay to talk about their feelings without being scared of what others might think. Promise them that you will not judge them for what they say and create an open, trusting environment.

Depression is completely unique to the individual, so it's important to remember that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to helping someone. It might take some time to manage symptoms and figure out the right treatment plan, but if you feel like your loved one is struggling, reach out and encourage them to seek professional help.

Resources For People Living With Depression

There are a variety of resources available for people living with depression. Here are some that may be helpful:

Pillars of Wellness: Speaking to a qualified counsellor or therapist can help with managing and understanding the symptoms of depression. We offer in-person counselling or online counselling, via video calls or phone.

Support groups:In-person and online support groups can help provide social support during tough times.

You can also look up those organizations. It will direct you to different organizations across Canada.

• Depression Hurts
• Mood Disorders
• Ontario Provincial Support
• The Lifeline Canada
• Mental Health Resources

There are many available resources for people living with depression. Remember that everyone experiences depression differently, so it might take some time to discover the right combination of treatments for you. You can also read this article: What are the 7 components of good mental health?

No matter what treatment option you choose, know that complete recovery from depression is possible. With the right support and resources, you can manage your symptoms and gain control over your mental health.

While it may take some time to find the perfect treatment plan for you, don't forget to show yourself some love. Be patient during your journey and be sure to reach out if you need help - there are people who care about you and want nothing more than to see you recover.

Depression and other mental health issues can be tough to deal with, but you are not alone. The team at Pillars of Wellness is here to support you through this difficult time. We offer a variety of services that can help you get back on track. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you start feeling better.