Coping With Depression

In the last issue of this newsletter, we ran an article on overcoming depression. How well are you doing at coping with depression? This article can help you check your progress and see where you may need extra help. Important First Steps Check off the statements that are true for you: I know my symptoms of depression. I have written down the pros and cons of seeking help for depression. I have talked to my doctor about getting help for depression. If you can check off at least one of these statements, you’ve taken a positive step toward getting help. If you haven’t yet talked to your doctor about getting treatment for depression, think about what’s stopping you. Try talking to a close friend or someone you trust about your concerns. It may also help to learn more about depression. A good place to start is the National Institute of Mental Health’s Web site at www.nimh.nih.gov. To order printed information, call the Institute at 1-301-443-4513. Look at Your Progress How many skills have you learned to help you cope with or prevent a recurrence of depression? Check off all the things that you do to help yourself feel better. I look for ways to control my environment by avoiding things that trigger depression for me. I regularly practice stress-relief techniques, such as meditation, deep-breathing exercises, yoga, or just taking quiet time for myself. I exercise at least three times a week. I counter negative thoughts by saying positive things to myself. I listen to compliments and say “thank you” when I receive one. I have at least one close friend to talk with when I am feeling depressed. Whether you checked off one skill or none, make it a goal to try one of the coping skills listed above in the next month. Reward Yourself Remember, having depression makes it difficult to take action. Any step that you take, no matter how small, is a big move toward feeling better. Think about ways to reward yourself for coping with this illness. For example, you could go to a movie or to a museum with a friend. You deserve it! (c) 2001 Premier Medical Insurance Group, Inc., and its subsidiary, Dean Health Plan, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction with attribution permitted.