Coping with Depression

Depression - it’s more than just a feeling.

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Across the globe, approximately 280 million individuals have depression, also known as major depressive disorder; however, in spite of this fact, the resources available to those enduring this disorder are relatively scarce. According to the American Psychological Association, depression is a negative state, ranging from unhappiness and discontent to an extreme feeling of sadness and despondency that interferes with daily life. At times, this definition may be confusing, as depression is not simply just “being sad.”

While many people with depression do feel sadness, this is only part of the story. Adyasha Priyadarshini has experienced depression herself, and in her blog, she describes it as “choking” and “draining.” Depression can also be experienced as a loss of interest, resulting in apathy towards life. What is important to note is that depression can present itself differently among different individuals, which can make finding resources to treat it somewhat difficult. 

However, living with depression is not at all impossible and there are many ways that one can cope. A common coping method among those with depression is reaching out to others, whether that be their loved ones or mental health professionals. Reaching out doesn’t necessarily have to mean talking. Simply being in the company of another or doing an activity, such as cooking together, can greatly improve one’s well-being. Another strategy is to exercise, which can uplift one’s mood and self-esteem along with providing physical benefits. Keeping a consistent sleep schedule can also be extremely helpful in managing depression, as sleep is closely related to mood and mental health. While symptoms of insomnia may still arise, they can be minimized by practicing healthy sleep hygiene. By knowing how to cope with depression, one may be able to recover from it more quickly and don’t give up if one strategy does not work. Just keep trying, and find what works for you!