Tips To Help Depression That Feel Like Higher Functioning
On the outside things seem to be running smoothly in your life. Maybe you are able to meet deadlines at work, appear at family events and functions, and check in with your friends and family regularly. However in the background and under the surface there feels like a cloud over your head. You don't feel like yourself or fully present and are occupied with stress and negative thoughts. If you feel like this resonates with you it could be that you're experiencing symptoms of depression. This article is not a diagnostic tool but could provide some information about what depression can look like. If you feel like you relate to this please reach out to us at Inward Counseling to get a formal diagnosis and/or treatment for your symptoms. If you or someone you love have thoughts about harming themselves, reach out to crisis numbers including 988 or 911. This article will talk about some tips to help with symptoms of depression that appear.
1.) Evaluate Your Routine
Taking an inventory of how you are breaking up your day could indicate and point to how much pressure you are putting on yourself. If you find yourself feeling more dread in starting the day or completing daily activities, it could be due to not taking enough breaks or having enough balance. Prolonged stress in your routine or having too much on your plate could contribute to developing depression symptoms. If you find yourself continuously “working for the weekend” that might also indicate that you are not engaged in work that is meaningful to what you want in life. Work isn’t always fun, but it shouldn't be dreadful or create negative impactful mental health symptoms. After evaluating your routine see what changes may need to be made so that you are taking better care of yourself daily. It is not selfish to prioritize your mental health and well being, it is necessary to do so.
2.) Engage in Activities that promote well-being
Maybe you are able to show up for others and for work, but as a result you have put hobbies or moving your body to the wayside. Exercise releases endorphins into the body. Endorphins make us feel good and boost our moods. What activities are you engaging in to promote well-being? If it is hard to think of a good answer to that question it may indicate that including that should be incorporated into your routine. Lacking in “feel good” chemicals that are released from moving our bodies as a result could contribute to negative symptoms of possible depression. Engaging in healthy eating also helps to improve moods and increase energy levels.
3.) Reduce or eliminate mind altering substances
Substance usage like alcohol might be increased in individuals that are experiencing negative feelings and emotions. Substances are a way to cope with feelings and experiences in a moment but overtime increase negative mental health symptoms. Alcohol is a depressant substance and overtime will create an increase in depression symptoms with prolonged use. Finding more healthy ways to cope can keep negative symptoms of depression reduced.
4.) Seek Counseling Services
Seeking therapy if you feel like you are dealing with depression symptoms is always recommended. You don't have to be in crisis mode to seek out services. It is preferred that counseling is started when you notice symptoms of depression to prevent a further spiral into depression. Your therapist can work with you to help you in your symptoms and create treatment goals with you that align with your hopes and expectations to improve happiness and productivity. Reach out to us today to see how we can help.
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