Let’s Talk About Depression
- Acknowledge that depression causes symptoms that can negatively impact your functioning and wellbeing and that it is not your fault.
- Avoid the use of non-prescribed or over-the-counter medications and alcohol/drugs, which can produce adverse effects.
- Depression can disturb healthy sleep patterns causing difficulty falling asleep, frequent or early awakenings and insomnia. It is important to restore optimal sleep.
- If appropriate, exercise to help restore biochemical balance in the brain, which can improve depression.
- Stay engaged in your daily life, even if it takes effort.
- If symptoms become too debilitating to function, it is important to acknowledge and accept current limitations without self-reproach. It may help to take necessary time off, let go of some pressures and seek professional help. When indicated, this can help mitigate symptoms so functioning can improve or be restored.
- Reach out to understanding/caring people and allow them to provide support. When there is a less than adequate social support network, turn to a licensed therapist, support group, faith based beliefs or a loved pet, which can make a big difference when feeling alone.
- Psychotherapy can provide important tools to combat depression. It can help to reframe negative thinking patterns, improve coping strategies, increase perspective/insight and provide support/understanding.
- Psychotropic medication, if indicated, along with psychotherapy help alleviate problematic symptoms and restore biochemical balance in the brain.
- Depression is treatable and with appropriate interventions positive mood can be restored. This may take time so it is important to be patient with yourself during the restorative process.
Did you know that the UCLA Staff & Faculty Counseling Center can assist you in coping with traumatic events? Please call us today at: (310) 794-0245.