How to Overcome Deep Depression

When you find yourself struggling with extreme sadness and thoughts of suicide it may feel like there is no way out. What starts out as a period of blues can lead to a deep depression if not identified and treated appropriately. It is important to get help with your depression as there may be a medical reason for your suffering and you may be unable to control your thoughts and impulses without help.

Instructions

• 1

  Understand the symptoms. Deep depression or sadness that has progressed to a debilitating inability to function is known as "clinical depression." Feelings of worthlessness, an inability to concentrate, a loss of pleasure in most activities, significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and thoughts of suicide are all recognizable symptoms of depression.

• 2

  Share your feelings. If you are suffering with depression symptoms that are interfering in your daily life and simple tasks like getting up in the morning seem unbearable, it is time to ask for help. Seek out a friend or family member and share how you are feeling. It may be difficult to ask for support, but fighting depression alone is often impossible. If you are having thoughts to harm yourself or you feel like giving up, it is important to seek professional help immediately.

• 3

  Get the help you need. Many times deep depression is so debilitating you can not fight it alone. Counseling, medications and hospitalization are all useful methods to treat clinical depression. Do not be afraid or embarrassed to get help. Clinical depression is often due to an imbalance in your brain chemistry and may require medical treatment to alleviate the symptoms.

• 4

  Participate in your own recovery. Although you may feel like giving up, taking your medication, attending counseling and participating in support groups give you some control over the depression and makes you an active participant in your treatment. Utilize activities designed to treat depression like writing in a journal, exercise and relaxation.

• 5

  Educate yourself. Understanding depression and the effects it has on your life is essential to your improvement. Ask questions, visit reliable websites dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of depression like the ones listed below, and become familiar with the medications you are prescribed.