Tips on Coping With Depression & Loneliness

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five Americans will experience depression and anxiety disorders in their lifetime. Anything from loneliness to a traumatic event can trigger the onset of depression and cause feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and irritability, while causing a loss of interest in hobbies and activities, decreased energy, change in appetite and sleep habits, and, most seriously, thoughts of suicide. Thankfully, effective treatments exist for depression and the loneliness that often accompanies it.

Seek the support of loved ones

• People struggling with depression often suffer from the shame and stigma that comes with the perception of mental illness. As a result, you may isolate yourself from family and friends, which only exacerbates your loneliness and makes your symptoms worse.

  Don't be afraid to turn to trusted friends and family for support. The people who care about you are the very ones who can help you through this difficult time. Having someone with whom you can talk through your feelings can aid you immeasurably during your lowest points.

Nurture yourself

• Taking care of yourself is never more important than when you are suffering from depression. The accompanying feelings of worthlessness often cause sufferers to socially isolate themselves and forgo healthy habits.

  Make a habit of doing something every day that you find pleasurable. Listen to a favorite inspirational song, read a good book, take a hot bubble bath, write in a gratitude journal or play with your pets for a quick mood boost.

  Get out there! While you may feel like holing up in bed, socializing is a key component to helping lift your mood. Meet a friend for coffee or join a support group of other like-minded people so you don't feel so alone. While you're at it, enjoy your activities in the sunshine. Many studies, including one performed at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands, tie low levels of vitamin D (produced in our bodies through exposure to sunlight) to depression.

Get medical help

• If these tips don't help enough, it may be time to talk to your doctor. Several medications can help you beat depression, and only your doctor can help you decide which is best for you. It can take anywhere from three to eight weeks to feel the full effects of an antidepressant, and you may have to try a few different types before you find one that works best for you.

  Antidepressant treatments should be undertaken with close supervision by your doctor and, optimally, combined with talk therapy. Depending on the severity of your illness, you can expect to take medication anywhere from several months to indefinitely.

  The hardest step toward recovery is often the first one, but it is not impossible. Take that first baby step, and you may begin to feel the fog of depression lift sooner than you think.