10 Things People Admitted Significantly Helped Their Depression

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Nearly 10% of Americans are living with depression. Dealing with this mood disorder can be an exhausting and overwhelming cycle of up-and-down moments. So here are ten things people said helped their depression significantly.

1. Start at the Root of the Problem

“Depression is not something that goes away on its own. The only way to cure it is to figure out the issue’s roots and how to fix the problems causing it. The problem is that I don’t know what I can do,” shared one.

“Nobody does. I know what the cause for me is, but there is no solution. But if you know what’s causing it and know a solution, you can fix it. But depression is not an illness that will go away over time.”

2. Seek Professional Help as Soon as Possible

“After my dad died suddenly, I had a serious breakdown a few months later. Eventually, I got medical and professional help. Best thing I ever did,” confessed one.

“It depends where you are in the world and what is available to people individually. Eventually, I got an appointment with a nurse specializing in mental health, who referred me to a doctor. After a few sessions, they prescribed Sertraline.”

“It didn’t work straight away, but the doctor said it is not something that works straight away, dosages might need changing, and I may need to try other manufacturers. But I stuck with Sertraline and worked the dosage out. And I’d always happily reiterate – best thing I ever did.”

3. What Makes You Blue, Shouldn’t Keep You Blue

Someone suggested, “Nothing truly cures your depression, so you’ll feel better each day. Sometimes you notice it, sometimes you don’t, sometimes you feel it, and others don’t. You never cure; you feel better. Someone or something will always get you down, but the question is, will you let it keep you down?”

“I thought this was true for everyone like I’ve just accepted things and never expected to cure my depression,” another admitted. “But this comment sounds like people have moved/worked past it, so that’s promising!”

4. Remove Yourself and Find Some Peace

“Therapy, hobbies, medication, removing myself from the situation helped most in releasing anger and sadness and finding joy in things, getting out more in nature,” shared one.” Seconding this- minus medication- FOR ME,” confessed another.

“I understand it does help some, but it didn’t help me. I don’t think mine is cured or ever will be, but I manage it well now. Therapy first, then the Biggest factor is exercise and taking in nature- followed by a hobby.”

5. Crying is Like Taking Your Soul to the Laundromat

“A good crying session, I went years without crying, and when it finally happened, it was like a weight was lifted off of me,” admitted one. “I go for months at a time trying to ignore my depression.”

“Then, after it builds up, I break down and sob. Afterward, it feels like a reset button, and I feel much better. A cycle I’ll hopefully find a way out of someday.”

6. Go For a Jog

Someone stated, “I can attest to this. After two years in the army, I became depressed. Then one of my battle buddies suggested going for a run every once in a while. He knew that I hated running in groups. What I didn’t know was how much I enjoyed running alone. It was exhilarating.”

7. Physical Exercise is Important

“Consistent exercise helps…not quite cures it. I slip in and out – it’s directly connected to my sweat,” suggested one. “I slip in and out too. Then, when I’m out, oof, I have a move mountains to get me back into it. It takes years sometimes. Depression is crazy,” a second user replied.

8. Protect Yourself at all Cost

“I avoided sad movies and sad music, avoided unnecessary drama, and moved to another country,” another confirmed. “Cutting out unhealthy habits like sugar and alcohol also helped a lot. Electronic music also was a lifesaver, in particular, Madonna’s Ray of Light album and Moby’s Play album,”

9. Find Out What Works Best for You

“I haven’t cured depression, but figuring out what my priorities were (in my case, autonomy in my professional life and a scenario in which I can be creative and unplugged most of the time) was the immediate help in coping with depression” explained one.

“Spending time in the natural world, taking medication, setting and achieving goals, and being consciously more tolerant in social interactions were all profound secondary effects.”

“I love my life and want to see what happens as long into the future as possible, even if that requires prolonged depression, sadness, and discomfort. That’s a fundamental commitment to make, I think.”

10. Eliminate Unhealthy Habits if Possible

“I stopped drinking alcohol. That came with all sorts of side benefits, like lower blood pressure and losing massive weight. I try to be a bit more social. It’s a slow process, but one I’m finding works for me,” a final user commented.

We hope you enjoyed these Reddit suggestions for what helped their depression. This article is inspired by the internet and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Motherhood Life Balance.

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