Depression can be a tricky issue to face, and if you’re reading this article you’re probably starting in a good place. A great step to take is to start talking to professionals about what you’re experiencing. Low mood can be caused by many things including grief, trauma, medical issues, chemical imbalance, and more. And with everything that has been happening in the world, it’s a great idea to get the support you need!
So, it can be beneficial to speak with your medical doctor as well as a mental health professional so that they can support you.
Curious about some of the signs and Symptoms of depression?
Symptoms that this Atlanta therapist shares with her clients can include: Depressed mood/sadness, not feeling pleasure or interest in things that used to cause pleasure or interest, sleep difficulties (falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up), changes in appetite and weight, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness guilt or hopelessness, thoughts of suicide or death, and more.
Wanting to know what can help?
I’m going to repeat, you should talk with your Atlanta therapist and medical doctor. Beyond that, Here is a list of some helpful things that can impact symptoms of depression:
- Exercise, exercise, exercise. 30 minutes, three times a week (90 total minutes) of exercise that brings your heartrate up (even as simple as a powerwalk) can be very very very beneficial.
- Pay attention to what you’re consuming. Some foods aren’t so great for mental health like caffeine and added sugars (talk to your doctor or to a nutritionist about this), and some foods and nutrients can be helpful (omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, and Vitamin D have been mentioned. Again, talk to your nutritionist.) And…also pay attention to what your eyes and ears are consuming. Some social media, TV, news, etc. can cause you to experience lower moods because they trigger you.
- Get some sunlight. Expousure to the sun has been linked to mental health improvement and in states that experience strong winters you can purchase lamps that mimic the sun.
- Increase genuine connections. When feeling down, it can be tempting to socially isolate. Try to resist this and instead work to be around people you can be genuine with and connect with.
- Stop ruminating (worrying and thinking incessantly about things that you can’t control) by distracting yourself with things that are so powerful that your brain literally can’t ruminate.
- Meditate, meditate, meditate using deep guided meditation. You can find these on youtube or on meditation apps. Meditation replenishes feel good chemicals in your body.
- Talk to a professional. Sometimes low mood can be caused by trauma (and 2020 has been quite traumatic for many.) Sometimes low mood can be impacted by suppressed feelings/emotions and unmet needs. Starting to explore these, express them, care for them, etc. can be extremely helpful.
Remember that depression can be complicated and these are all great ways to care for yourself. If you know you need to talk with an Atlanta therapist, feel free to reach out and schedule an appointment.
