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Managing And Preventing Depression During High-Stress Times

4/10/2021

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By Chou Hallegra, MA, CFTP, CCFP, CGCS
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"It's so difficult to describe [depression] to someone who's never been there because it's not sadness. I know sadness. Sadness is to cry and to feel. But it's that cold absence of feeling—that hollowed-out feeling.” - J.K. Rowling.

Have you ever felt that way? Under normal circumstances, those who are struggling with depression might face this frustrating reality every day for long periods. 

But our current circumstances are anything but ordinary. 

Is there any hope of managing or preventing depression while facing a global pandemic, the resulting economic challenges, and political unrest? The short answer is YES. There are many tools to help you manage your depression. We've included a few strategies that you can do on your own.

Quick Tip: Finding the right tools for you might involve trial and error, so don't forget to be patient with yourself.

Depression - What is it?

When fighting a relentless enemy like depression, it’s essential to know what it looks like. Though each person is different, some common signs of depression might help you recognize it when it’s happening to you or a loved one.
  • Persistent feelings of emptiness, anxiousness, or sadness
  • Difficulty making decisions, concentrating or remembering details
  • Fatigue
  • Feelings of helplessness, guilt, or worthlessness
  • Disrupted or irregular sleeping patterns
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
  • Appetite loss or overeating
  • Suicidal thoughts

Be Prepared

How do we fight an invisible enemy? The best thing we can do is a plan. You probably have a first aid kit in your home or car to deal with possible physical injuries. For those suffering from depression, strategies to help you cope with unexpected mental health emergencies should be on hand at all times.

According to the CDC, 1 out of every six adults will experience depression at some point in their lives. It means that you probably know several other people who are experiencing depression. So, you are not alone! 

Even though many are facing this challenge, depression is a unique experience for each person. You should customize your mental health strategies to your needs and what works for you. 

Here are some ideas of what you might include:

  • Phone numbers of people to call when you feel down (like a compassionate friend, your therapist, or a depression hotline)
  • Encouraging articles to read that will help shift your thinking
  • Any prescribed medications for your depression
  • Optimistic and upbuilding songs that you love
  • Pictures of people you love
  • A note from someone who loves you
  • A journal to vent into or express gratitude

"I like to use gratitude journals and affirmation journals with my clients. It's like retraining your brain." - Charlynn Ruan, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Therapist. 

For many fighting depression, there are particular situations, people, or places that act as triggers. If you know what triggers your depression, WebMD recommends you ask your physician or therapist to help you brainstorm effective strategies that will specifically address those triggers. 

For those with moderate to severe depression, following the treatment plan provided by your physician is vital. 

But what happens when the game changes and we’re suddenly faced with a whole new set of anxieties?

Depression During High-Stress Times

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we face even more stressors than before. Some have gotten sick, lost their jobs, or simply dealt with the stress of living in a more isolated world. 

What can help us manage our depression in these circumstances?

  • Limit your exposure to the news. It’s essential to stay informed, but too much pandemic-related information can feed your anxiety instead of calming it.
  • Focus on what you can control. Take all the precautions recommended by health authorities to decrease your risk.
  • Connect with loved ones. Even though we may have to remain physically distant, we can still spend time with those we love by calling them, video-chatting, texting, or writing thoughtful letters. Instead of allowing your conversations to be consumed by the virus, make a concentrated effort to focus on the positive.

When Depression Knocks on Your Door

If we take the time to prepare now, we’ll be ready when depression knocks on our door. Though there’s no magical cure, we’re well equipped with strategies to weaken its hold on our lives. And we have the support of our loved ones, doctors, and other medical professionals. We are not alone.

Depression can be a tough thing to deal with.

It’s important that we take the time to prepare for when it
​does come knocking on our door.
We need to make sure that we have all of the tools and knowledge necessary so that when depression does knock, we are ready for it. You will be able to learn how to cope
​with depression before it becomes too much for you.


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