Depression can feel like a heavy, unbreakable chain is hanging around your neck, slicing into your skin with each moment that passes. It’s easy to sink deeper and deeper into your depression whilst feeling as though it will never get better. But it can, and it will. At Alternative Therapy LLC, we bring empathetic psychotherapy to those who need it, in Hamden, CT. Here are some of our top tips for handling your depression and taking control of your life:

Focus on Nutrition

It may sound like a cliche, but it really is true that there is a link between what you eat and your mental health. Maintaining the recommended levels of vitamins and nutrients should be the first step in improving your mental health. In addition, there are many researchers who have found a link between gut health and mental health so after improving your nutrient intake, examine how well your gut is functioning and start making a diet plan to help monitor it. You will notice a big difference in your moods once you start changing the way you eat.

Build a Support Network

When navigating through depression, it’s important to have people around you who you know and trust. It can be incredibly lonely when depression takes hold of your brain, so having a small group of people you can go to at any time is key for coming out the other side. It’s also important to remember that your therapist or counselor can also be a part of your support network. Whilst that relationship is going to be different than a friendship or a familial relationship, having somebody you can confide in about your thoughts and feelings is really helpful when you’re feeling low.

Set Realistic Goals

Setting yourself small, attainable goals every day is a good way to get yourself out of the slump depression can often put us in. These goals could be as simple as brushing your teeth in the morning or getting out of bed, tasks that can often feel like a huge, impossible milestone when you’re struggling with depression. Start by making a physical list of the daily tasks that you hope to accomplish, then gradually start working through them one at a time. You will feel a sense of accomplishment as you check off some of your goals and that boost of serotonin can be just what is needed.

Clean Your Space

Cleaning your living space can have a hugely positive impact on your mental health as it will instantly make you feel more together and ready to take on the world. Cleaning your space doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to be spotless, but whatever the word clean means to you and your life. Working towards cleaning small areas or rooms each day is a good way to feel in control of the space around you, as well as helping you check off some of those all-important goals.

Through their creative and supportive psychotherapy processes, our therapists and counselors have many years of experience helping people who feel just like you do now. If you feel as though you need practical, kind-hearted advice to help manage your depression or other mental health worries you may have, reach out to Alternative Therapy LLC in Hamden to get the conversation flowing.