If you have been diagnosed with depression, know that you're far from alone. In fact, in 2015, the WHO estimated 322 million people were living with the mental health disorder, making it the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide.
The good news is that depression is highly treatable with the help of experienced behavioral health experts. They can work with you or someone you love to develop a personalized care plan that addresses your specific mental health needs and personal goals. In addition, you can empower yourself to fight depression with some fairly simple strategies! Start with these three to feel your best.
- Don’t skimp on sleep. Depression can make it harder to fall (and stay) asleep – and lack of sleep can make depression symptoms seem worse. Luckily, practicing proper sleep hygiene can help. Some tips: Adhere to a consistent sleep-wake schedule (even on weekends), shut off all electronics and turn down the thermostat to between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal sleep.
- Set a personal goal. Each morning, whether when you first get up or as you sit down to breakfast, jot down one attainable goal for the day. This simple act will help build your motivation and confidence – and minimize your feelings of depression.
- Try something new! Sticking to a predictable and manageable schedule is especially helpful during early recovery, but that doesn’t mean you need to get stuck in a rut. Shake things up now and again by doing something new or interesting. For example, take a yoga or drawing class or visit a local museum for some creative inspiration.
Our Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
At Hope Academy, we offer evidence-based therapies for clients facing both substance abuse and co-occurring behavioral health issues like depression. Existing mental health issues often surface during addiction recovery. That’s why we offer treatment protocols that are designed for clients with a dual-diagnosis. To learn more, call today: 866-930-4673.
