Long term strategies that work
Depression is a complex condition, but the good news is that it can be managed with a combination of strategies. What works for one person might not work for another – what counts is the willingness to try.
There are things we can do to address the root causes of depression, and other strategies that minimise the severity or the number of symptoms.
With the right approach, patience, and support from others, recovery from depression is possible.
Tackling root causes
- Strengthening social connections
- Changing your circumstances
- Therapy
“A walk outdoors to the coffee shop with a friend was the highlight of my day. ”
Minimising and managing your symptoms
Each of the below self-care strategies has been shown to help reduce feelings of depression.
When used in combination with the above strategies, they can have a strong positive impact on your wellbeing.
- Be kind to yourself
Being kind to yourself while you’re feeling low is challenging, but adding shame or guilt by criticising yourself will only make you feel worse.
Allowing yourself to feel what you’re feeling without needing to fix it right away is hard, but is also really important.
If you’re feeling depressed, try reducing the expectations you’ve set for yourself, or reach for your self-care toolbox.
- Eating well
- Getting regular exercise
- Avoiding substances
- Getting out into nature
- Getting enough sleep
- Developing a routine
- Engage in your hobbies
- Medication
“I realised that sometimes in life you need medication to get by and that’s okay. I’m so glad I am now on medication and seeing a therapist. Now I’m stronger than I was a year ago.”
