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As someone who has battled with mild depression for most of my life, I understand the struggle all too well. <\/span><\/p>\n In my younger years, I didn’t even realize that what I was experiencing was depression. I had become so accustomed to the persistent heaviness that it felt like a normal part of my existence.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n However, as I entered my 30s, the weight of it intensified, and I could no longer ignore its grip on me. <\/span><\/p>\n At that time, I couldn\u2019t afford therapy, so I embarked on a self-directed journey toward climbing out of the darkness, taking slow but steady steps. Let me tell you, it has been a roller coaster ride\u2014a whirlwind of emotions, setbacks, and small victories along the journey.<\/span><\/p>\n Yet, every ounce of effort I put into this journey has been worth it.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n Today, I\u2019d like to share with you some of the invaluable lessons I’ve learned along the way. If you\u2019re feeling down and out, stuck in deep sadness, or feeling lost and just aren\u2019t sure what to do, I hope that something here will resonate with you, provide hope, and get you started on your own liberation journey.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Deep sadness or depression is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. <\/span><\/p>\n In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)<\/a>, depression is a leading cause of disability globally, with at least 280 million people living with it.<\/span><\/p>\n But what is depression<\/a> really? <\/span><\/p>\n How do you know if you\u2019re struggling with clinical depression or just a bout of deep sadness?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Let\u2019s look at some of the characteristics or signs of clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), where \u201cclinical\u201d means diagnosable by a mental health professional:<\/span><\/p>\n Keep in mind that according the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), at least some of the symptoms must persist for more than two weeks in order to be considered clinical depression.<\/span><\/p>\n As you can see, the impact of depression on daily life can be rough. It not only affects you mentally and emotionally, but also physically and socially.<\/span><\/p>\n Recognizing that you\u2019re actually struggling with deep sadness or depression is the first step in managing or overcoming it.<\/strong> By recognizing your struggles, you are taking the first step towards healing and recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve been feeling extremely sad, depressed, apathetic, or hopeless, the following are some ideas that can help you begin a new journey toward experiencing happier, more fulfilling emotions.<\/span><\/p>\n Editor’s note: We are not medical professionals. Dominica is sharing her own experiences with the community, as she found them to be helpful in her situation. Daily Motivation always recommends seeking professional help from a doctor, therapist, counsellor, or other professionally trained resource.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n I understand not everyone can afford professional therapy, but I do want to mention that it truly can be helpful if you can figure out a way to seek this kind of help. <\/span><\/p>\n A trained therapist can provide the necessary support and guidance to help you navigate through your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n Through various therapeutic techniques, therapists can help you:<\/span><\/p>\n Additionally, trauma therapy<\/a> or somatic experiencing<\/a> therapists can be particularly helpful for those who have experienced traumatic events. By addressing the underlying trauma, therapists can assist you in processing your emotions, reducing symptoms, and finding healing and resilience.<\/span><\/p>\n That being said, I know it took me some time before I could afford therapy, so the following are some key things you can focus on if funds are lacking at the moment.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n It may feel tough to admit that you\u2019re struggling to someone else, but it can be so helpful. <\/span><\/p>\n Opening up to friends or family members that you can trust about your depression is important, as having a support system in place can make a world of difference.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n By sharing your struggles with those close to you, you’re allowing them to understand and support you in the best way possible. They can offer a listening ear, provide emotional support, and may even help you find resources and professional help.<\/span><\/p>\n Remember, you don’t have to face depression alone<\/strong> – reaching out to loved ones can be the first step towards healing and recovery. And, by opening up, you realize that you are not alone in your struggles and there are people who care about you and want to help.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n I encourage you to consider joining a local support group or community organization that focuses on these issues. <\/span><\/p>\n These groups can provide a safe and welcoming space for people to come together and share their experiences, struggles, and triumphs.<\/strong> Being a part of a group can be so helpful, as it may help decrease the feelings of isolation.<\/span><\/p>\n Also, a potential benefit of participating in peer-led support groups is the opportunity to learn from others who have faced similar challenges. I don\u2019t know about you, but I\u2019d rather listen to someone talk about their victory over depression over someone who has never really struggled with it. <\/span><\/p>\n Hearing about their coping strategies, treatment approaches, and success stories can provide valuable insights and inspiration.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Here are some wonderful support groups you can check out:<\/span><\/p>\n National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n NAMI offers a support group called NAMI Connection.<\/a> There are free support groups weekly in various locations. To find out if they have them in your area, visit here: <\/span>NAMI Connection Locations<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n DBSA offers support groups, educational resources, and wellness tools for individuals living with depression and bipolar disorder. You can find out more about the locations of the support groups here:<\/span><\/p>\n DBSA Support Groups<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Mental Health America (MHA)<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n MHA is a leading community-based nonprofit organization that promotes mental health and supports individuals with mental illnesses. They have an online support group called Inspire. You can sign up here: <\/strong><\/span>Inspire Online Support Groups<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n There are also numerous resources available on the internet to provide support and information. <\/span><\/p>\n Review the following for excellent information:<\/span><\/p>\n HelpGuide<\/a> \u2013 Here you will find articles and resources on overcoming depression.<\/strong> \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America)<\/a> – ADAA offers resources and information on depression, including self-help strategies, finding a therapist, and support options.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Headspace<\/a> – Headspace hosts plenty of mental health resources, including articles and guided meditations specifically designed to support those struggling with depression.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\nDepression is More Common Than Most Think<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Seek Professional Therapy<\/span><\/h2>\n
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\n<\/p>\nCan’t Afford Therapy Right Now? Try These Ways to Get Support for Depression<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Ask Loved Ones For Support.<\/span><\/h3>\n
2. Seek Community Support.<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n<\/p>\n3. Utilize Online Resources.<\/span><\/h3>\n
4. Practice Self-Care.<\/span><\/h3>\n