Clinical depression is common throughout the U.S. To recover, affected people must access a well-designed depression treatment program. But you can also do things in everyday life to cope with your symptoms successfully. Coping with depression is crucial since the condition often lasts a lifetime. Effective strategies for coping will help you face the things that trigger your symptoms.
At New Start Recovery, we understand the challenges that depression brings and support you in your recovery journey. Reach out to learn more about how our experienced professionals can help you cope with your depression triggers by calling [Direct].
Know Your Specific Triggers
Not everyone with depression has the same kinds of symptom triggers. The things that affect you may have little or no effect on someone else. For this reason, it’s important to become familiar with your specific triggers. The list of the most common triggers includes such things as:
- Experiencing rejection
- Losing your job
- Retiring from your job
- The death of someone close to you
- Having marriage problems or getting divorced
- Heightened stress during the holidays
- Being affected by a long-term illness
- Acting as the caretaker from someone with a long-term illness
- Having significant issues within your family
- Becoming an empty nester
Drug and alcohol use also frequently act as triggers for depression.
Tell Your Friends and Family
Once you understand your triggers for depression, don’t keep that information to yourself. Instead, tell your friends and family what you’ve learned. If they know what sets off your symptoms, they can help you steer clear of avoidable triggers. They can also help support you when dealing with triggers you can’t avoid.
Follow Your Treatment Plan
If you’re enrolled in depression treatment, you will have a recovery plan created by you and your doctor. The typical plan includes one of the following options:
- Antidepressant medication
- Some form of evidence-based psychotherapy
- A combination of medication and psychotherapy
The goal of your plan is to support an effective recovery. And part of such a recovery is learning how to cope with the things that trigger your symptoms. If you follow your plan as intended, it should help ease your susceptibility to your triggers. If it doesn’t, ask your treatment team to modify it to meet your needs better.
Take Part in a Mindfulness Practice
Mindfulness is a term for slowing down and paying closer attention to what’s happening within and outside you. There are a variety of methods available to help you do this. For example, you can take a break and spend a few minutes focusing on your breathing. You can also participate in more formal activities such as meditation, yoga, or tai chi. Research shows that people who engage in these practices have a better chance of avoiding a depression relapse.
Know When Your Efforts Aren’t Enough
In some cases, you may be unable to cope with your triggers for depression. If this happens, don’t try to avoid the reality of the situation. Instead, remind yourself that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. With support from your doctor, you can get your recovery efforts back on track.
Seek Quality Depression Treatment at New Start Recovery
Need help coping with depression? Talk to the professionals at New Start Recovery. We specialize in depression treatment for people struggling with drug or alcohol problems. Our customized approach does not just address one of the conditions affecting you. It addresses them both. This is the only way to support you properly on your path toward wellness.
No matter the severity of your depression or substance problems, we can devise a plan that suits your situation. Call us today at [Direct] or contact us through our online form for more information.